The United States have put in a dominant half against Jamaica, but they haven't found the net. For all of their possession and solid chances, it's still 0-0 after 45 minutes of play in Columbus.
USA Vs. Jamaica, 2014 World Cup Qualifying: Halftime Score 0-0, But USMNT Dominant
From the outset, it was obvious that this game was not going to unfold the same as Friday's match in Kingston. The United States' introductions of Graham Zusi, Jose Torres and Danny Williams signaled a stronger commitment to holding possession in Jamaica's defensive third, and they did just that for most of the half.
Zusi got the Yanks off to a brilliant start with their first real opportunity of the match, a great long shot that hit the crossbar. It would be one of three United States shots in the first half to hit the woodwork.
Herculez Gomez, up top on his own with Jozy Altidore on the bench, looked lively throughout the half and had a great chance 12 minutes in. On a long ball over the top, he appeared to beat the defense and took a great first touch, but Nyron Nosworthy made a spectacular recovery to poke the ball away from him.
Around the 20th minute, the United States started dominating while simultaneously getting very unlucky on multiple occasions. Steve Cherundolo unloaded on a shot that took a deflection, creating a tough save for Dwayne Miller. He made the first of two brilliant saves in a two-minute period, barely tipping the ball onto the post. One minute later, he denied Zusi at the back post following a deflected shot by Fabian Johnson.
Danny Williams almost netted an absolute stunner in the 30th minute. During a very long spell of prolonged possession for the U.S., Jamaica gave him too much space on the ball and allowed him to step into a shot from 30 yards out. He beat Miller, but his shot struck the inside of the post and bounced clear.
It’s been a great 45 minutes of football from the United States, but things just haven’t bounced their way. If they continue to play the same way in the second half, it would be absolutely stunning if they weren’t able to nick a goal. Jamaica aren’t nearly as sharp on the counter as they were on Friday, nor are they as effective pressing in midfield. This is the United States’ game to win.
You can follow live coverage of the game in our USA vs. Jamaica StoryStream and you can get all of your U.S. soccer coverage at Stars and Stripes FC.
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