Friday, June 7, 2013

United States of America 2 - Jamaica 1

Kingston featured the rematch between Jamaica and visitors United States of America.  Jamaica had secured their first ever victory over the United States in a qualifier in September 2012 at this very stadium, but the United States were looking to flip the script.  The Americans had fired a warning shot into the post within two minutes after a frenetic scramble led to a Michael Bradley effort that nearly hit paydirt.  United States right winger Graham Zusi pulled a shake-and-go maneuver on Jamaican left back O'Brian Woodside before whipping in a cross to an oncoming Jozy Altidore, who made no mistake with his header as the Americans took a 1-0 lead.  Jamaica almost responded eight minutes later after a clever give-and-go led to a chip through ball from Ryan Johnson to Rudolph Austin, but Austin pushed his shot too far wide and it hit flush off the far post.  The United States were glad to escape the half with their 1-0 lead intact.

The majority of the second half provided less offense than did the first half, but the final two minutes plus stoppage time were quite memorable.  After a Zusi foul, Jamaica had a free kick from the left side of the pitch with one minute to go in regulation.  An Austin free kick was whipped in to eight yards, where Jermaine Beckford found himself open after beating the offside trap, leaving an easy headed finish for the equalizer.  However, in stoppage time, American right back Brad Evans scored his first international goal.  A short corner was played back to Bradley, who sent a short ball to Evans, who had gotten separation from Woodbine.  One touch to settle, a turn, and a shot were all that were needed for Evans to give the United States the final goal.  United States win 2-1.

Goals
United States of America
Jozy Altidore 30
Brad Evans 90+2

Jamaica
Jermaine Beckford 89

Match Reports:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130608/usa-jamaica-player-ratings/
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130608/brad-evans-usa-jamaica/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFVtb4G_pic

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1n_efRDwA (1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddaliURmUpE (2nd half)

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