Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell named to Jamaica National Team roster for Oct. 10 friendly

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell has been named to the Jamaica National Team roster for an international friendly against Japan on Oct. 10, it was announced today.

The Reggae Boyz square off against Japan in an international friendly on Friday, Oct. 10, at Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, Japan; kickoff is set for 7:25 p.m. local time (3:25 a.m. Pacific). Squaring off for the first time in nearly 12 years, Jamaica has compiled a 1-1-1 overall record against Japan, including a victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France where Jamaica earned a 2-1 win to become the smallest nation ever to win a World Cup match. The two sides last met in 2002, playing to a 1-1 draw in a friendly in Tokyo.

The match will serve as preparation for the Reggae Boyz ahead of the 2014 Caribbean Cup, which takes place from Nov. 10-18 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Powell, 20, has earned 13 caps for Jamaica since making his international debut on Dec. 10, 2012, including five appearances for the Reggae Boyz during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification. Most recently, Powell started and played 74 minutes in a 3-1 loss against Canada in a friendly on Sept. 9 at BMO Field in Toronto.

In 2014, Powell has made an MLS career-high 13 regular-season appearances for the Timbers, including nine starts. He recorded his first two career MLS goals in consecutive matches, scoring on Aug. 30 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Sept. 7 against San Jose. Powell has tallied two goals and two assists this season for Portland and also made two appearances on loan with USL PRO co-affiliate Sacramento Republic FC.

Powell will join the Jamaica National Team on Tuesday and will not be available for Wednesday’s regular-season match against San Jose.