The United States entered Friday night's World Cup qualifier against Jamaica with four points, good enough for fourth place in their qualifying hexagonal. Coming off a 4-2 victory over world power Germany in an International Friendly earlier in the week, the United States had every reason to believe they'd be able to keep their strong play going, matched up against an athletic yet somewhat downtrodden Jamaica team.
Early advantages are crucial in soccer and the U.S. national's knew that in order to find consistent success in Kingston, Jamaica, getting out to an early lead may benefit them as the match progressed. While defense set the tone throughout most of the first half, the U.S. National team put the games first tally on the board at the 30-minute mark.
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When Jozy Altidore's header blew past Jamaica goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, the United States had the early lead over a Jamaican team fresh off a tight 1-0 loss to the Mexican national team. Able to withstand multiple offensive opportunities by the Reggae Boyz, the U.S. received some luck late in the opening frame. Looking for the tying goal of the match, Jamaican midfielder Rodolph Austin's shot from the left side of the box hit the woodwork, narrowly missing the net and losing a chance to get a much-needed goal at home towards the end of the first half.
The first half would conclude with the same score as the United States did enough defensively to maintain the advantage forward Jozy Altidore provided earlier in the game.
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Starting quickly in the second half, the United States was able to keep the pressure on the Reggae Boyz even though they did not crack the scoreboard again. Jozy Altidore had a good look in the 54th-minute but another Rickett's save kept the U.S. lead at 1-0. Controlling most of the offensive time of the match, the United States national's were able to dodge 15 Jamaican shots, 3 of which went in the director of keeper Tim Howard.
Needing some kind spark offensively, Jamaica turned to forward Jermaine Beckford. Still trailing 1-0, Beckford sent a header past Tim Howard in the 89th-minute that brought the Kingston crowd to an absolute frenzy but more importantly, tied the qualifier at 1 goal apiece with only minutes remaining.
Not to be outdone, the U.S. fired back in stoppage time as Brad Evans banged one through from the left side, propelling the United States back in front as they were mere seconds away from earning three humongous points in pool play. The goal for the American defenseman was the highlight of International play for the team this year, as the U.S. will now begin preparation for their next game.
The U.S. Men's national team will play again on Tuesday, June 11th against Panama while the Jamaican nationals get set to do battle with Honduras that same night.
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