The Gold Cup begins on a disappointing note for the United States after losing points 1-1 in the opening game to newly formed Jamaica side in Chicago on Saturday night. A Daimon Lowe goal was canceled out by Brandon Vazquez, who scored his second goal for the USMNT in dramatic fashion after coming on as a substitute. It was a goal from the poachers in the 88th minute that salvaged the point when Vazquez used a poor save from Jesus Ferreira’s cross to parry the ball from close range. But it was the goalkeepers who were on display tonight as Andre Blakes’ performance for Jamaica was enhanced by Matt Turner saving Leon Bailey’s first-half penalty, a save that made the difference in the game.
From the start, the United States struggled to deal with the pressure from the new-look Reggae Boyz as set pieces again became their undoing. And it was Lowe’s header from a dead ball in the 13th minute that gave Jamaica the lead. However, adjustments were made and the introduction of Vazquez, Cristian Roldan and Djordje Mihailovic was enough to see the team secure a point. The points lost could still pose a problem for the United States as there could now be a goal difference in Group A if both teams win their remaining two games.
This is a tournament where players can show they can contribute to the top-flight national team and early results have been disappointing. While the United States controlled much of the game, they only threatened Jamaica when more experienced players like Roldan were signed. Having won three consecutive Concacaf tournaments, the team will still have work to do if they want to win back-to-back Gold Cups.
BJ Callaghan’s tenure as interim head coach comes to an end after this tournament as Gregg Berhalter returns as coach of the national team so it should be used as best it can. Adjustments are being made ahead of Wednesday’s game against St Kitts and Neves, but this game didn’t help anyone.
Having just signed to play for Jamaica, Demari Gray was able to assist Lowe’s goal and give an early lead to a Reggae Boyz team that hadn’t won a game in a year. Now Jamaica, led by former Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, must get that win sooner rather than later, but it couldn’t have come at a better time than beating the USA.
Now both teams need to score as many points as possible to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.