Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell named to Jamaica National Team roster for World Cup qualifying matches

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell has been named to the Jamaica National Team roster for a pair of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Panama and Haiti, it was announced today.

The Reggae Boyz will open play in Group B in the fourth round of CONCACAF’s qualifying tournament for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday, Nov. 13, against Panama at Independence Park in Kingston, Jamaica; kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. (Pacific). Following the match against Panama, Jamaica travels to face Haiti on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Stade Sylvio Cator in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Group B consists of Jamaica, Panama, Haiti and Costa Rica, while the six-game, fourth-round schedule will last from Nov. 13, 2015, until September 2016. The top two teams from each of the three groups advance to the “Hex” – the final, decisive round of CONCACAF qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

Powell, 21, has earned 21 caps for Jamaica since making his international debut on Dec. 10, 2012, including starting both World Cup qualifying third-round matches against Nicaragua on Sept. 4 and Sept. 8. Powell played 90 minutes on Sept. 8, helping Jamaica earn a dramatic, 2-0 win on the road to advance to the fourth round.

For the Timbers, Powell made an MLS career-high 31 regular-season appearances (all starts) during the 2015 season. The young right back logged an MLS career-high 2,726 minutes, while helping Portland register a league-leading 13 shutouts during the 2015 regular season. Since joining the Timbers in 2013, Powell has made 51 career regular-season appearances, recording two goals and three assists.