The US Men’s National Team came up with a huge three points after beating Jamaica 2-1 Friday night. The game was drama filled with the US needing a goal in stoppage time to win it. With goals from Jozy Altidore and Brad Evans gives the US seven points in four games to start off qualifying. The road win puts the US in a tie with Costa Rica for the top of the hex and in a good position to advance on to the World Cup. Look below for a listing on an updated table.
The US went into Kingston to face Jamaica at “The Office” one of CONCACAF’s most intimidating places to play. The Reggae Boyz were fresh off a heart breaking defeat against Mexico and were desperate to get a result. The US knew this would be a tough result and needed to dictate the game if they wanted to get the result they desired. The US came out and did just that in the first half. They were able to come out and dominate the first half. They did not let the Reggae Boyz get into a rhythm. In the 30th minute the US drew first blood when Graham Zusi butt in a dangerous ball and Jozy Altidore rose up and slotted the header into the back of the net. It was Jozy’s first and second goal of the week and it is great to see him contributing to the national team again. If the US are going to qualify they will need contributions from Jozy.
In the second half Jamaica began to turn it on but the US held resilient. The US continued to dominate till the 59th minute when Jermaine Jones suffered a concussion and had to be subbed off for Geoff Cameroon. Jamaica began to pick up the attack and apply pressure to the US’ back-line. If the US proved anything on defense last night it is that they have trouble closing out games. They looked lost towards the end and started turning the ball over. Damarcus Beasley was a little flustered towards the end and Geoff Cameroon was easily beaten. Omar Gonzalez who had a solid game showed poor man marking when Jamaica was given a free kick outside the box. The Reggae Boyz sent in a cross and Jermaine Beckford headed it home after beating Omar Gonzalez.
Right when this game looked like it was heading towards a draw the US gained a corner kick. The US played it short to Michael Bradley who crossed the ball into Brad Evans who turned shot and scored. It just had to be Brad Evans, whose fairy tale continues. Brad Evans was gifted a chance to start against Germany and turned up a superb performance. He was arguably the best player on the pitch. Last night he was able to recreate his performance and nagged the crucial game winning goal. Nobody thought Brad Evans would be a starter and many people still have questions of him but you can not argue with his play. He earned the shot and played his way into the starting 11. The next game is in Seattle and Brad Evans is a Sounder, he will be greeted with a heroes’ welcome in front of his home crowd.
With stellar performances from Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi, Jermaine Jones, Jozy Altidore, Fabian Johnson, Matt Beasler and Brad Evans the US were able to get past Jamaica in Kingston and walk away with three road points. With Jones out with a concussion someone else will need to step up. Also with Jones out means Bradley will be doing double duty and staying back in defense more. One noticeable absence from the list of players above was Clint Dempsey, who barely touched the ball last night. The US will need Dempsey to get involved frequently against Panama.
The Current table is
1. Costa Rica-7pts
2. USA- 7pts
3.Mexico 7pts*
4. Panama 6pts
5.Honduras-4pts
6.Jamaica-2pts*
*Played 5 games all other teams played 4.
[Photo: ISIPhotos.com]
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