The Major League Soccer Caribbean Combine is an annual showcase of Caribbean football talent between the ages of 18 and 21 organized jointly by Major League Soccer and the Caribbean Football Union in 2013, with the inaugural combine being held in January 2014. All 31 member associations are encouraged to send representatives that fit the criteria. The combine provides opportunities for Caribbean players to be observed by MLS scouts with the hopes of being invited to the MLS Combine, an invite-only showcase event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida prior to the annual MLS SuperDraft. The combine is part of an agreement between the two entities as they try to promote football development throughout the Caribbean region. About the impact of Caribbean players on the league, MLS Technical Director Alfonso Mondelo said, "Quite a few players have played, continue to play in the MLS and have done so successfully...Now we are looking forward to the next generation of players who will be coming in", while MLS Executive Vice President Todd Durbin said, "We recognize that the CONCACAF area, and particularly the Caribbean, is rich with soccer talent, and this will be an opportunity for our scouts to evaluate and identify the region’s top players...Caribbean players from islands like Jamaica, Haiti, Grenada and others have been key performers in MLS. This event will help recognize the next generation of MLS stars as we look to achieve our goal of being among the best leagues in the world by 2022." From a Caribbean perspective, CFU President Gordon Derrick stated, "As CFU Member Associations turn their attention to Russia 2018, this is an exciting developmental opportunity for the opulent young talent in the Caribbean to assess their developmental level and the growth required to play at the highest level...This partnership with MLS is another way in which we at the CFU are seeking to bridge the gap that exists between talent availability and scouting opportunities that the Caribbean region has received from professional leagues."[1][2]

2014

The 2014 Caribbean Combine took place at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John’s, Antigua from January 2–4; and featured 24 players from 16 different Caribbean nations. Originally 32 players were nominated but eight were not invited to the final combine by the MLS technical team.[3][4] The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association did not have any representatives at the combine after an "administrative error" led to no paperwork being submitted to the CFU by the association.[5] Of the 23 players who were invited, only Stefano Rijssel and Quinton Christina were invited to the MLS Combine.[6] Rijssel went on to be the first ever player from the Caribbean Combine to be drafted after he was selected in the 3rd round, 55th overall, by Seattle Sounders FC.[7] However, Rijssel was cut by the team during preseason and was ultimately not signed.[8]

Players

Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes
Damian Bailey Anguilla5 May 1991 (aged 22)D/M
Quinton Griffith Antigua and Barbuda27 February 1992 (aged 21)D/M
Stefan Smith Antigua and Barbuda11 August 1989 (aged 24)F
Leroy Oehlers Aruba12 December 1992 (aged 21)D
Drewonde Bascome Bermuda17 November 1992 (aged 21)M
Kavon Troy Ceasar British Virgin Islands13 May 1994 (aged 19)D
Ramon Sealy Cayman Islands22 April 1991 (aged 22)GK
Quinton Christina Curaçao3 May 1995 (aged 18)D/FSelected for MLS Combine
Malcolm Joseph Dominica10 October 1993 (aged 20)D
Delbert Graham Dominica2 July 1993 (aged 20)M
Vladimir Pascal Guadeloupe27 May 1992 (aged 21)F/M
Steven Davidas Guadeloupe17 March 1992 (aged 21)M
Jean Ismael Voltaire Haiti4 May 1994 (aged 19)D
Luckner Junior Horat Haiti27 September 1994 (aged 19)D
Kemar Lawrence Jamaica17 September 1992 (aged 21)M/D
Kendell Allen Montserrat2 June 1992 (aged 21)D
Joseph Marrero Puerto Rico4 September 1993 (aged 20)M
Samuel J. Soto Alvarez Puerto Rico11 August 1992 (aged 21)F/M
Jose Sandoval Puerto Rico1 January 1991 (aged 23)M
Jamal J. Francis Saint Kitts and Nevis23 March 1993 (aged 20)GK
Kimaree B.A. Rogers Saint Kitts and Nevis14 January 1994 (aged 19)M/F
Eden Charles Saint Lucia19 October 1993 (aged 20)M
Stefano Rijssel Suriname26 March 1992 (aged 21)M/FSelected for MLS Combine
Miguel Danny Darson Suriname27 May 1993 (aged 20)D

Known rejected players

Name Nationality Date of birth Position Reference
Matthew Suberan Cayman Islands3 February 1995 (aged 18)M/F[3]
Jermaine Woozencroft Jamaica19 August 1992 (aged 21)M/F[9]

Drafted players

Name Nationality Drafted by Round Drafted Pick Overall Reference
Stefano Rijssel SurinameSeattle Sounders FC3rd55[7]

2015

The 2015 Caribbean Combine was held between January 2 and 5, 2015, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The combine took place at the facilities of Bayamón FC, including Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, and featured matches with local clubs.[10] For the combine, 19 players representing 17 associations from the region were invited.[11] Following the Caribbean Combine, only Jean Carlos Lopez Moscoso of the Dominican Republic was invited to the MLS Combine.[12] No players from the Caribbean combine were selected as Lopez was not taken in any of the four rounds of the draft.[13]

Players

Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes
Mavrick Annerose Guadeloupe29 November 1995 (aged 19)MF
Julani Archibald Saint Kitts and Nevis18 May 1991 (aged 23)GK
Ronaldo Bailey Barbados5 July 1996 (aged 18)DF
Troy Caesar British Virgin Islands13 May 1994 (aged 20)DF
Emmery Edward Saint Lucia10 October 1994 (aged 20)FW
Marco Fenelus Turks and Caicos Islands22 August 1992 (aged 22)FW
Kevin Francis Saint Vincent and the Grenadines11 January 1994 (aged 20)DF
Tevaughn Harriette Antigua and Barbuda26 June 1995 (aged 19)FW
Vershawn Hodge Anguilla8 February 1992 (aged 22)MF
Sydney Lockhart Dominica3 August 1996 (aged 18)MF
Jean Carlos Lopez Moscoso Dominican Republic11 September 1993 (aged 21)MFSelected for MLS Combine
Joseph Marrero Puerto Rico4 September 1993 (aged 21)MF
Anani Mohamed Guyana10 February 1992 (aged 22)FW
Clifford Newby-Harris Montserrat23 January 1995 (aged 19)DF
Kyrhon Phillip Saint Kitts and Nevis22 September 1994 (aged 20)MF
Jonte Smith Bermuda10 July 1994 (aged 20)FW
Denny Smith U.S. Virgin Islands5 December 1992 (aged 21)GK
Reid Strain Puerto Rico4 January 1994 (aged 20)FW
Jermaine Woozencroft Jamaica19 August 1992 (aged 22)MF

Known rejected players

Name Nationality Date of birth Position Reference
Cardel Benbow Jamaica3 June 1995 (aged 18)M/F[9][14]

2016

The 2016 edition of the MLS Caribbean Combine was held on three different islands at different times, unlike previous years in which it was held at a central location. Players were invited to specific host islands based on their country of origin. Twenty four players were invited to each location for a total of 72 players, a significant increase over previous years. The reason for decentralizing the combine was to make it easier for more nations to participate.[15]

Hosting and known players

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis hosted players from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, and the United States Virgin Islands from 13 December to 16 December[15][16] at the Warner Park Sporting Complex.[17]
Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes Ref.
Carlos Bertie Saint Kitts and Nevis[16]
Javiem Blanchette Saint Kitts and Nevis29 September 1991 (aged 24)FW[16]
Raheem Francis Saint Kitts and Nevis28 May 1996 (aged 19)MF[16]
Novelle Francis Jr. Antigua and Barbuda[18]
Keithroy Freeman Saint Kitts and Nevis16 October 1993 (aged 22)DF[16]
Jonathan Guishard Anguilla2 July 1996 (aged 19)DF[19]
Tevaughn Harriette Antigua and Barbuda26 June 1995 (aged 20)MF[18]
Germain Hughes Anguilla15 October 1996 (aged 19)MF[19]
Jorginho James Jamaica7 July 1994 (aged 21)MFSelected for MLS Combine[20][21]
Eugene Kirwan Antigua and Barbuda1 January 1993 (aged 22)MF[18]
Amal Knight JamaicaMF[20]
Malik Liburd Saint Kitts and Nevis[19]
Chevone Marsh Jamaica25 February 1994 (aged 21)GK[20]
Lorne Maxime Jr. U.S. Virgin Islands16 September 1992 (aged 23)FW[19]
Ryan Miller JamaicaMF[20]
Clyde Mitchum Saint Kitts and Nevis16 June 1994 (aged 21)DF[16]
Aljah Newton Saint Kitts and Nevis[16]
Shavorn Phillip Antigua and Barbuda9 September 1996 (aged 19)DF[18]
Alrique Rogers Anguilla23 January 1996 (aged 19)FW[19]
Jamoy Stevens Antigua and Barbuda22 October 1993 (aged 22)DF[18]
Elvis Thomas Antigua and Barbuda2 June 1994 (aged 21)FW[18]
Shamoy Thompson British Virgin Islands27 May 1997 (aged 18)MF[22]
  • Curaçao hosted players from Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Bonaire, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago from 17 December to 20 December.[15] Ten total players from Aruba, Bonaire, the Dominican Republic, and Guyana attended in addition to ten Curaçao players who met the requirements.[23]
Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes Ref.
Delon Lanferman GuyanaFW[24]
Yurick Seinpaal Bonaire12 November 1995 (aged 20)FW[25]
Jumane Somerset GuyanaDF[24]
Alexander Vidal Ceballos Dominican Republic2 September 1996 (aged 19)DF[26]
  • Martinique hosted players from Barbados, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, St. Martin, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia from 1 January and 4 January.[15]
Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes Ref.
Anfernee Frederick Dominica23 January 1996 (aged 19)MF[27]
Briel Thomas Dominica25 October 1994 (aged 21)MF[27]
Lejuan Simmons Bermuda7 April 1993 (aged 22)FW[28]
Jomo Harris Barbados15 February 1995 (aged 20)MF[29]
Romario Harewood Barbados17 August 1994 (aged 21)MF[29]
Jordy Delem Martinique18 March 1993 (aged 22)MF[30]
Johnny Marajo Martinique21 October 1993 (aged 22)FW[30]
Franck-Olivier Rochambeau Martinique9 November 1993 (aged 22)FW[30]
Jean-Manuel Nédra MartiniqueDF[30]
Ambroise Félicité Martinique[30]

2017

In October 2016 it was announced that the base of the 2017 MLS Caribbean Combine would be merged with the final round of CFU 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship qualification taking place that same month. The qualifiers would be attended directly by scouts from MLS teams, with representatives from at least the Philadelphia Union, Real Salt Lake, and Seattle Sounders FC confirmed to attend. The decision to combine the two events was logistical since many of the region's best young players and national teams from the desired age group would be participating.[31] The new format meant that players from nations that were not part of the competition would not have the opportunity to be scouted at this edition of the combine.[32]

2018

The combine returned to a single-venue, invite-only format in 2018. This edition of the combine was the first held outside of the Caribbean with the three-day event taking place at the Sawgrass Hotel and Suites Sports Complex outside of Fort Lauderdale, Florida from January 9–11, 2018. Chosen invitees will then attend the MLS Player Combine from January 11–17 in Orlando. In total, 22 players were invited to attend the event.[33] Ultimately, no players from the Caribbean Combine were invited to the MLS Combine.[34]

Players

Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes
Oniel Anderson Jamaica21 March 1997 (aged 20)D
Jeff Beljour Turks and Caicos Islands4 April 1998 (aged 19)D/M
Mazhye Burchall Bermuda28 January 1998 (aged 19)F
Thierry Catherine Martinique2 September 1997 (aged 20)M
Jonah Ebanks Cayman Islands7 May 1996 (aged 21)M
Kyle Edwards Saint Vincent and the Grenadines15 January 1997 (aged 20)M
Djai Essed Sint Maarten25 April 1998 (aged 19)D
Maalique Foster Jamaica5 November 1996 (aged 21)F
Jules Haabo French Guiana12 April 1997 (aged 20)M
Hadan Holligan Barbados16 October 1996 (aged 21)M
Germain Hughes Anguilla15 November 1996 (aged 21)M/D
Andrez Joseph Dominica20 May 1998 (aged 19)D
Tyrique Lake Anguilla4 January 1999 (aged 19)M/D
Alex Marshall Jamaica24 February 1998 (aged 19)F/M
Gylles Mitchel Dominica16 December 1997 (aged 20)M/D
G'Vaune Amory[nb 1] Saint Kitts and Nevis22 June 1997 (aged 20)M
Nickenson Paul Aruba24 August 1997 (aged 20)M
Na-jir Jacques Peney Curaçao17 July 1997 (aged 20)M
Jamarlie Stevens Antigua and Barbuda20 April 1997 (aged 20)D
Kathon St. Hillaire Trinidad and Tobago5 November 1997 (aged 20)M/F
Gilbert Tilus Turks and Caicos Islands28 October 1998 (aged 19)D
Josiah Trimmingham Trinidad and Tobago14 December 1996 (aged 21)M

2019

The 2019 MLS Caribbean Combine was held in Kingston, Jamaica from 15-18 October and in Bridgetown, Barbados from Oct. 22-25, 2018.[36] Fifteen nations sent representatives to the combines.[37] Addition details were released regarding compensation for players and former club, if applicable, if signed by an MLS club as a result of the combine. These details included the player’s club will receiving an Adidas allotment and a transfer fee of US $50,000 if the player’s MLS option for 2020 is exercised. Additional compensation was available to former club depending on the player's performance including US$25,000 after 15 official MLS appearances, $50,000 after 30 official MLS appearances, and $100,000 after 60 official MLS appearances. Finally, a player’s former club would receive 20% of any transfer fees received by the MLS within the first four years of the player’s employment in the league.[38] Jamaican midfielder Peter-Lee Vassell was named MVP of the combine[39] and was invited to the 2019 MLS Combine[40] Vassell was then selected by Los Angeles FC with the 19th overall pick in the draft.[39] He was later signed by the club for the 2019 Major League Soccer season,[41] becoming the first player to ever be signed by a Major League Soccer side after featuring in the Caribbean Combine.

Known players

Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes
Ackeel Applewhaite Barbados17 July 1999 (aged 19)MF[42]
Chavel Cunningham Saint Vincent and the Grenadines20 July 1995 (aged 23)FW[38]
Kevin Dundas Guyana16 March 1996 (aged 22)DF[37]
Vino Barclett Saint Lucia12 October 1999 (aged 19)GK[43]
Javid George Dominica14 June 1998 (aged 20)FW[44]
Ryan Hackette Guyana11 September 1999 (aged 19)MF[37]
Raejae Joseph U.S. Virgin Islands9 August 1997 (aged 21)MF[45]
Kevin Layne Guyana1 January 1998 (aged 20)DF[37]
Omani Leacock Barbados1 May 1998 (aged 20)MF[42]
Kiano Martin Dominica9 August 2000 (aged 18)DF[44]
Kishmar Primus Barbados9 April 1998 (aged 20)GK[42]
Joel Quashie Saint Vincent and the Grenadines16 June 2001 (aged 17)MF[38]
Peter-Lee Vassell Jamaica3 February 1998 (aged 20)MFInvited to 2019 MLS Combine, drafted and signed[41]

2020

The 2020 MLS Caribbean Combine took place in Kingston, Jamaica from December 2 to December 4, 2019.[46]

Known players

Name Nationality Date of birth Position Notes
Stefforn Abraham Grenada29 December 1999 (aged 19)MF[47]
Akeem Chambers Jamaica16 June 1998 (aged 21)GK[46]
Andre Fletcher Jamaica31 January 1999 (aged 20)MF[46]
Jeremy Loogman Bonaire14 August 2000 (aged 19)GK[48]
Yohannes Mitchum Saint Kitts and Nevis6 April 1998 (aged 21)MF[49]
Tafari Smith Anguilla26 March 2000 (aged 19)DF[50]
Petrez Williams Saint Kitts and Nevis18 June 2000 (aged 19)DF[49]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Amory replaced Yohannes Mitchum as SKN's representative after Mitchum experienced issues with his visa.[35]

References

  1. ↑ "CFU, MLS ink partnership agreement". CONCACAF. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
  2. ↑ "Major League Soccer partners with Caribbean Football Union to host first-ever Caribbean Player Combine". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
  3. 1 2 Morales, Kevin; Watler, Kevin. "Sealy seals deal to MLS/CFU Combine". cayman27.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  4. ↑ "24 Players from 16 Nations Invited to 2014 Caribbean Player Combine". cfufootball.org. 16 December 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
  5. ↑ Liburd, Lasana. "TTFA bungle denies local starlets of MLS opportunity". Wired868.com. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  6. ↑ "Historic CFU MLS Combine Comes To An End". Antigua and Barbuda Football Association. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  7. 1 2 "SuperDraft: Caribbean Combine star Stefano Rijssel highlights picks in Rounds 3, 4". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  8. ↑ Mayers, Joshua. "Wednesday notes: Danny O'Rourke joins training camp, first cuts made". Seattle Times. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  9. 1 2 "JFF Names Two for CFU MLS Caribbean Combine". Jamaica Football Federation. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  10. ↑ "MLS, Caribbean Football Union to host second Caribbean Player Combine in Puerto Rico". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
  11. ↑ "Major League Soccer announces 19 players invited to Caribbean Combine". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
  12. ↑ "Major League Soccer announces 2015 Generation adidas class". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  13. ↑ "2015 MLS SuperDraft Draft Tracker". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  14. ↑ "Woozencroft Selected By CFU for CFU/MLS Combine". www.iriefm.net. Archived from the original on 15 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "2015 MLS Combine to be held across three islands". Caribbean Football Union. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Major League Soccer try-outs in St. Kitts for the first time". miyvue.com. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  17. ↑ Abel, Jermine. "MLS Combine expected to raise the level of local". The Saint Kitts and Nevis Observer. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Six Antiguans to attend St. Kitts leg of 2015 MLS Combine". antiguafootball.com. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 "Happening now, Press conference for the MLS Combine. This afternoon the players take to stage at 5:00 p.m at Warner Park. Come on out and see your St. Kitts-Nevis Players showcase their talents. The players competing are:". Saint Kitts and Nevis Football Association. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  20. 1 2 3 4 "Four local footballers selected for CFU Combine". rjrnewsonline.com. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  21. ↑ "Jamaica's Jorginho James gets MLS Combine nod". Caribbean Football Union. Archived from the original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  22. ↑ "Thompson off to MLS Caribbean Soccer Combine". /www.virginislandsnewsonline.com. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  23. ↑ Molenaar, Lidanel. "Major Soccer League Combine selection matches on Curacao". FFK. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  24. 1 2 "Footballers depart for CFU/MLS Combine in Curacao". gnngy.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  25. ↑ "Jurick Seinpaal ta Hasi Tryout". ExtraBon. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  26. ↑ Grullon, Franklin. "Alexánder Vidal seleccionado para MLS Caribbean Combine". balompiedominicano.com. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  27. 1 2 "Thomas and Frederick to participate in CFU MLS Combine tryout". Dominica Football Association. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
  28. ↑ "Lejuan Simmons To Participate In MLS Combine". Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  29. 1 2 "Opportunities for Bajan footballers". Barbados today. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 "Des footballeurs martiniquais bientôt professionnels aux États-Unis ?". Martinique 1ère. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  31. ↑ "Annual MLS-CFU Combine merges with CFU U-20 Qualifiers". Caribbean Football Union. Archived from the original on 25 October 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
  32. ↑ Webster, Jade. "MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CARIBBEAN COMBINE CHANGES FORMAT". Cayman 27. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  33. ↑ Stejskal, Sam. "MLS invites 22 players to 2018 Caribbean Combine". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  34. ↑ Baer, Benjamin. "Combine rosters, schedule". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  35. ↑ "G'vaune Amory picked to replace Yohannes Mitchum for 2018 MLS Combine". Saint Kitts and Nevis Football Association. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  36. ↑ Butler, Dylan. "Major League Soccer announces 2019 Combine, SuperDraft dates, locations". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  37. 1 2 3 4 "Three national players to participate in MLS Caribbean Combined". kaieteurnewsonline.com. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  38. 1 2 3 "Vincentian footballers on MLS try out". Searchlight.vc. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  39. 1 2 "LAFC Selects Peter-Lee Vassell With No. 40 Overall Pick In 2019 MLS SuperDraft". Los Angeles FC. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  40. ↑ "Top players arrive in Florida for 2019 adidas MLS Combine". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  41. 1 2 Rodriguez, Alicia. "LAFC sign 2019 MLS Draft pick Peter-Lee Vassell". MSN. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  42. 1 2 3 Goodridge-Boyce, Anmar. "MLS chance for senior ballers". nationnews.com. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  43. ↑ "St Lucian Barclette to partake in 2018 MLS Caribbean Combine Invitational". stlucianewsonline.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  44. 1 2 "Two Dominican footballers head for MLS Caribbean Combine tryout". dominicanewsonline.com. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  45. ↑ "LOCAL SPORTS ROUNDUP: St. Croix native to attend MLS Caribbean Combine". virginislandsdailynews.com. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  46. 1 2 3 Ming, Akino. "W'house's Chambers, Fletcher invited to MLS Combine". The Jamaica Star. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  47. ↑ "Grenadian Mid-Fielder On MLS Trials". WEE FM Grenada. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  48. ↑ "Jeremy Loogman". Bonaire Football Federation. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  49. 1 2 "Mitchum, Williams". St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  50. ↑ "Tafari Smith". Anguilla Football Association. Retrieved 14 December 2019.

See also

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