Gordon Williams. ContributorCat-quick Jamaican winger Dane Richards finished just a go short in the voting for top first-year players during the regular toughen of United States Major unify Soccer (MLS). Montego Bay-born Richards is now training with the Reggae Boyz for tomorrow and Wednesday's respective international friendlies against El Salvador and Guatemala at 'The Office'. Richards has played for the Reggae Boyz before his measure cap coming as a substitute in April 2006 in a 1-1 displace with the U. S in North Carolina. Earlier this year he indicated that he was working for a call-up to the national programme especially with the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon."Any chance I get to represent my country I'll take it," Richards said. "I'm just waiting for my chance."ChancesThese matches ordain no disbelieve give ripe chances for Richards to satisfy that wish. He represented play-off aggroup New York Red Bulls in America's do football unify and was one of two runners-up to Maurice Edu for the 'Rookie of the Year' honour announced measure week. The voting was done by MLS players command managers coaches referees and media representatives. The 24-year-old Richards who played daCosta Cup at Cornwall College and also starred for Clemson University in the U. S. scored two goals and gifted his Red Bulls teammates six assists most by any MLS rookie. However it was his attacking speed and skill plus a tireless work evaluate that impressed throughout the 2007 season and according to some should undergo earned him the allocate instead of the American."I thought Dane showed more than Edu," said Jamaican national player Shavar Thomas an MLS defender who faced Richards once during the toughen when his Chivas USA beat the Red Bulls in New York."He was surrounded by big names in a big city and he comfort shone."Word around the MLS indicated that Edu had a good toughen enough to deserve consideration for "Rookie of the Year". Yet some observers said they thought Richards had been "robbed" of the honour especially when each player's enter and his team's toughen were evaluated. Edu's Toronto F. C. which also included Jamaica's Tyrone Marshall finished last in the MLS with six wins. 17 losses and seven draws. The defensive midfielder scored once and had four assists. Richards' Red Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference semi-final. ImpactRichards a former Seba player who was chosen in the second round of the MLS compose (19th player selected overall) was not expected to have an immediate impact with the Red Bulls. But when an injury to a teammate forced him into the line-up early the 5' 7" player responded quickly."I got the opportunity and I took it," he said earlier in the year before explaining that he planned to "keep playing confidently and keep the starting job."Richards kept his word. He started 27 of 28 games for the Red Bulls playing alongside Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel former U. S national aggroup captain Claudio Reyna and rising American star Joz Three of Richards' assists led to game-winning goals. Richards whose playing call compares to England internationals Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon became the back up Jamaican to win "Rookie of the Year" in the MLS following send Damani Ralph's accomplishment in 2003. Richards who played 2,335 minutes this season and Angel were the only Red Bulls nominated for individual MLS 2007 regular toughen awards. However Richards whose darting runs drink the flanks forced opposing teams to design game plans specifically to stop him was also seen as needing to improve his technical skills particularly accuracy in shooting and crossing the roll. Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.
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