SANTA MONICA – The USMNT finished out the Gold Cup strong, with a last minute goal and 2-1 victory over Jamaica. The game, however, was no walk in the park. Despite the USMNT dominating possession, Jamaica fought hard and didn’t give up until the last whistle blew.
The second the game began, the USMNT started putting major offensive pressure on Jamaica. It did, however, take until minute 45 for them to actually break through and score a goal. It was then, that Jozy Altidore curved a free kick over the wall and into the top left corner of the net. This much needed goal put the USMNT up, 1-0, for a short time.
In wasn’t long until Jamaica responded with a goal of their own in minute 50. They took a corner kick and Watson got past the USMNT defense and redirected the ball into the corner of the net. It was Jamaica’s first actually shot on goal of the whole match, however, it was enough to tie the game up, 1-1.
The USMNT kept dominating possession, but they just could not seem to find the back of the net. Then, just a few minutes before the game ended, Morris recovered the ball in front of Jamaica’s goal and took a quick shot that zoomed past the goalie and gave the USMNT a victory!
The US men then went on to celebrate winning the Gold Cup. Bruce Arena, on the hand, was more focused on looking forward. He told the Washington Post that the USMNT is still, “a long way from qualifying for a World Cup, and that’s the objective, for sure,” Arena said. “We’ve made progress, but we’ve got a long way to go,” he concluded.
Winning the Gold Cup was a definitely a step in the right direction for USMNT, who have come a long way since losing their first two World Cup Qualifiers. They, however, still need to tighten up their play and improve as a team if they hope to qualify for and then be serious contenders in the 2018 World Cup.
The USMNT will be back for their next World Cup Qualifier on September 1st at 3:300 Pacific Time. They will be taking on Costa Rica.
Jordan Morris celebrates his game winning goal during the 2017 Gold Cup Final Match.
Photo by: John Dorton
Photos by ISI.
