Jamaica trying to add Thomas to Gold Cup roster

CARSON, Calif. -- Jamaica was hit with a pair of losses late last week and the Caribbean nation tried to at least fill one of those spots with an MLS defender.

After Jamaica lost both Andy Williams and Marlon King for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Reggae Boyz were trying to add Chivas USA's Shavar Thomas to their squad for the upcoming tournament.

The cutoff date for registering players to the official tournament roster came and went but Jamaican officials were trying to get the Chivas USA defender onto the squad regardless.

"They're trying to see if CONCACAF would accept the late addition," Thomas said.

Should Thomas get himself onto the team, he would start his own Gold Cup quest where he plays his home games as Jamaica opens Friday against Canada at Home Depot Center. For Thomas, the chance to play for Jamaica is not one he takes lightly.

"To play for my country whenever the time comes is a tremendous honor. I was fortunate to play in youth World Cups, national team qualifiers, friendlies," he said. "It's been an honor. Whenever they need me to don the colors, if they call me, I'm there."

Thomas, a veteran of the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship, said that the Gold Cup would take on extra meaning this year for the Reggae Boyz since they did not get past the semifinal phase of World Cup qualifying.

"It's an important tournament especially for us because unfortunately we didn't make it to the final phase of World Cup qualifying," Thomas said. "It's a stepping stone for the coach to see the new young and upcoming talent and for the world to see what we have." --Goal.com