Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell named to Jamaica National Team roster for 2014 Caribbean Cup

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell has been named to the Jamaica National Team roster for the 2014 Caribbean Cup from Nov. 10-17 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, it was announced today.

The tournament-host Reggae Boyz will compete in Group B alongside Martinique, Haiti and Antigua and Barbuda. Jamaica opens tournament play on Tuesday, Nov. 11, against Martinique at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. The Reggae Boyz continue group play on Thursday, Nov. 13 against Haiti and conclude the group stage on Saturday, Nov. 15, against Antigua and Barbuda.

• WEB: 2014 Caribbean Cup

Group A consists of Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana and Curaçao. The two group winners will square off in the championship match on Monday, Nov. 17, while the two second-place teams from each group will play the third-place place match the same day. All four teams qualify for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, while the champion also books a spot in the 2016 Copa América Centenario.

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. In 2014, Powell has appeared in five matches for Jamaica – appearing in games against Barbados (March 2), St. Lucia (March 5), Serbia (May 26), Canada (Sept. 9) and Japan (Oct. 10).

For the Timbers, Powell made an MLS career-high 15 regular-season appearances, including 11 starts during the 2014 regular season. 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, and helped the team finish the season with a 304-minute streak without conceding a goal. Powell tallied two goals and two assists this season for the Timbers and also made two appearances on loan with USL PRO co-affiliate Sacramento Republic FC.