Addlery and Fraser

One is off to an impressive start, the other is desperate just to get a game.

Forward Nicholas Addlery and midfielder Sean Fraser, who have represented Jamaica at various levels, have so far experienced mixed blessings with their new club, the Puerto Rico Islanders of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Division I.

Addlery is emerging as a star with five goals in five games - three in four during the Islanders' surprising run to the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals, plus a double in the team's first USL game of the 2009 season. But Fraser has not set foot on to the pitch in either competition.

However, the two players, who have known each other for about a decade and have been in national youth programmes together, have developed a bond they hope will help them battle the ups and downs of their new environment.

"The relationship is more like a brotherly relationship," said Addlery, who played for Cooreville Gardens, Jamaica College and Jamaica at the Under-17 and Under-20 levels, and last season represented the Vancouver Whitecaps, the team he scored against twice last weekend.

FRUSTRATION

"We just happen to be teammates. We're just good, good friends. Everything is working out good. It's just unfortunate (Fraser) is not playing."

"We guide each other," said Fraser, who has represented Clarendon College, Harbour View and Portmore United, and was the second Jamaican to play professionally in Brazil.

"We've been playing together a while. It's been good. We're motivating each other. We encourage and criticise each other, but it's always in good spirit."

At this point, Fraser appears to need the most motivation. Reports indicate both himself and Addlery continue to impress in training, but the midfielder's frustration is mounting.

Fraser had a successful run with Miami FC the past few USL seasons, including three goals and two assists in five games against the Islanders. That's the main reason the Puerto Rican club signed him. Yet, while other USL clubs are reportedly interested in acquiring him, so far he has yet to play a minute for his new team.

"It's hard coming from Miami, playing every single game when I'm not hurt and then come to a club, same league, with a team I had success against, to be here now, working hard and not gotten the opportunity," explained Fraser, who began training with the club in late January.

"There's no reason I can't make this team," he added.

GOLD CUP

Both players are anxious to do well, eyeing spots on Jamaica's team for the Gold Cup this summer in the US.

Fraser, who played for Jamaica in the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups, was also part of the winning Reggae Boyz's team at last year's Digicel Caribbean Championships. But he knows he must do well for his club to be considered for national coach John Barnes' squad.

"Most definitely," said Fraser, now 26. "I want to give myself a chance to play. But if I'm not playing, they're not going to call me."

Fraser was hoping to get his first chance for the Islanders during last night's scheduled game against the Rochester Rhinos.

Addlery, meanwhile, has commended Fraser, who was not even on the bench for the Islanders' opening USL game, for his professional approach to his current dilemma.

"It shows the character of the man," said the 27-year-old striker, who has also played for clubs like US Major League Soccer franchise DC United and in the Vietnamese First Division.

"He's like the unspoken vibes man. He's the man who keeps things going. He brings a certain zest to the team. The vibes is always right around him."