By the Caribbean Journal staff
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz lost a tight 1-0 game to the United States in Columbus, just four days after their historic win over the USMNT in Kingston.
It was American Herculez Gomez that put the US over the top with a goal off the hands of Jamaican goalkeeper Dwayne Miller in the 54th minute.
Jamaica played a defensive-oriented game in the the first half, seeming as if they were trying to protect their Group A points lead — indeed, Reggae Boyz star Ryan Johnson did not get a touch until the 26th minute.
The strategy paid off for the first 45 minutes, despite a significant time of possession advantage for the US, as Jamaica was helped by sensational play from goalkeeper Dwayne Miller and a pair of US strikes that hit the post, both of which came in the first 30 minutes.
But Gomez’ strike put the US ahead for good, despite a marked shift in attitude for the Reggae Boyz for the last 38 minutes. (Stoppage time lasted for 3 minutes).
The win came after Jamaica won its first-ever game against the United States in Kingston last Friday.
Jamaica has not won in 12 trips to the United States. It is now in third place in Group A.