United States Defeats Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in 2-1 Thriller

Above: Independence Park

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Things were looking brighter when Jamaica’s Jermaine Beckford evened the score at 1 with a goal in the 89th minute.

The United States’ Jozy Altidore had put the US ahead in the 30th minute, a lead it had held for another 59 minutes.

But just like that, Brad Evans’ goal in the second minute of extra time dashed the Reggae Boyz’s hopes of winning the game and seriously damaged their hopes of moving on to Brazil.

In a thriller, Evans’ goal gave the US a 2-1 win over Jamaica in Kingston, avenging a loss to the Reggae Boyz on the same pitch in September 2012.

While the United States won the time of possession battle, the Reggae Boyz had more opportunities, with 17 shots to the US’ 11. But thanks to solid play by US keeper Tim Howard, the game was a shutout until the 89th minute.

Now, the Reggae Boyz find themselves far behind the rest of the group in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying —the loss was Jamaica’ second this week and puts the country’s once-promising World Cup hopes in jeopardy.

Jamaica’s next game is against Honduras in San Pedro Sula on June 11.