Je-Vaughn Watson turned down a call-up from the Jamaica national team in order to pour his energies into helping FC Dallas into the MLS playoffs.
The 29-year old midfielder produced one of his best performances for the Texan club in their 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night, scoring a cracking goal from distance in the 8th minute, to level it up at 1-1.
Watson confirmed that he declined the invite from the Jamaican team for World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Costa Rica over the weekend so he could focus on Dallas' playoff pursuit.
"I think playing for Jamaica is important because it's my country, but I want to go to the [MLS Cup] playoffs," Watson told reporters after the match.
"That's the most important thing. I'm here all season ... I'm a competitor, I hate losing. Whenever I lose, I can't sleep, I can't eat. I'd rather be here than be in Jamaica right now."