Above: Jamaica had lost all of its matches against the US since 1988
By the Caribbean Journal staff
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz made history Friday night, beating the United States’ national football team, 2-1 in a World Cup qualifying match.
It was the first time Jamaica had ever beaten the US in international play, with a victory on their home pitch, Kingston’s Independence Park.
It was Luton Shelton’s goal in the 62nd minute that broke a 1-1 tie, after Clint Dempsey gave the U.S. a very early lead with a goal in the first minute of play.
Rodolph Austin scored Jamaica’s first goal in the 22nd minute.
Jamaica had lost its first 18 matches against the US national team. It now leads Group A with 7 points.
Earlier this week, Jamaica kept its FIFA ranking as the Caribbean’s top national football club.