Scratch the U.S.-Mexico championship game in the Gold Cup that had seemed preordained.
Jamaica, with one victory in 22 lifetime run-ins with the American national team entering Wednesday’s semifinals in the Georgia Dome, foiled the matchup that, by almost unanimous consent, could have been carved in granite. The 2-1 upset put a damper on the mood of American soccer that had been brightened by the U.S. women’s World Cup crown.
Now it’s on to Philadelphia and the Sunday finals for the self-proclaimed Reggae Boyz, who will confront the winner of Mexico and Panama, who will play later Wednesday. The U.S. can do no better than third place, which will be deteremined Sunday.
Mexico and the U.S. share all but one of the dozen Gold Cup titles and were substantial co-favorites to duel for the 13th.
The Americans backslid dramatically from a quarterfinal pounding of Cuba, who roster was lightened by the absence of five apparent defectors. With Jamaica, a squad well-represented in prestigious leagues, there were no defectors and too few defects for the U.S. to capitalize on.
Ever the tinkerer, U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann tweaked the lineup, as per usual, and the formation, and the Americans had the run of the place for much of the first half. A fusillade of attempts tested Jamaica goalkeeper Ryan Thompson, and he nearly gave away a goal on a careless clear that Aron Johannsson swiped off his foot. A harsh angle on the shot spared Thompson.
Heeding the lyrical words of the nation’s favorite son, Bob Marley, the Jamaicans decided to get up, stand up and don’t give up the fight. In almost blink-blink fashion, they led 2-0.
In the 31st minute, Kemar Lawrence air-mailed a lengthy throw-in to Darren Mattocks whose header nicked the post above keeper Brad Guzan and barely crossed the goal line as it ricocheted toward the other post.
Five minutes later, Giles Barnes’ pinpoint direct free kick from just outside the box was a hopeless cause for Guzan.
Thompson, who plays professional in a low-level U.S. league, proved vulnerable at the outset of the second half and after yielding a goal, hung on for dear life.
More Top Picks Best Charcoal Sets For Women
He turned away a blast from Johannsson but left the ball available for a rebound. As Clint Dempsey disrupted the scene, Michael Bradley swept in for a left-footer that found the net in the 48th minute.
A tying goal, and then some, appeared inevitable, especially after Thompson was flummoxed by a shot that he inadvertently directed into a side post.
From then on, it was men against Boyz as the Americans pressed forward, peppering the keeper with shots. The makeshift grass-over-plywood field seemed titled downhill toward Thompson and his scrambling back line.
Eventually, U.S. fatigue and frustration set in. The Jamaicans’ counter-attack generated no further goals, but it kept the ball on a safer side of the field.
The last gasp was a long-distance cross in the first minute of stoppage by Gyasi Zardes that sailed over his targeted teammate, and the stunning result was a fait accompli.