U.S. Players Still Trying to Make an Impression

Even though the United States has a guaranteed spot in the regional finals, forward Eddie Johnson says there are still high stakes in tonight’s World Cup qualifying match against Jamaica.

Johnson, 20, said his breakout season with Dallas in Major League Soccer and three-goal game with the U.S. team against Panama in World Cup play last month won’t necessarily impress U.S. Coach Bruce Arena.

“This is one of the most competitive camps I’ve been in,” Johnson said. “You have a lot of MLS guys who have to prove themselves to Bruce, including myself. I’m not taking anything for granted.”

The United States’ win over Panama clinched first place in Group A in the semifinal round of the region encompassing North and Central American and the Caribbean. The top two teams from three groups move into the CONCACAF finals.

The top three teams in the finals advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and No. 4 meets a team from Asia for another berth.

Jamaica would grab the second spot with a win tonight at Crew Stadium. The Reggae Boyz and the United States tied, 1-1, in August at Kingston, with the Americans scoring a late goal.

Jamaica has never beaten the United States (3-0-2), which has 11 points. Jamaica (1-1-3) is second with six points.

Panama (1-2-2) is one point back and today plays host to El Salvador (1-3-1).