The United States survived a roller coaster ride to beat Jamaica, 2-1, on Friday night in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. Brad Evans lashed home an unlikely stoppage time winner just three minutes after Jermaine Beckford appeared to have stolen the draw for Jamaica.
Jamaica vs. USA, 2014 World Cup qualifying: Final score 2-1, Brad Evans plays hero for the US
The Seattle Sounders midfielder scored a stoppage time winner for the USA, sealing a badly needed 2-1 win over Jamaica in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.
The US took a 1-0 lead into halftime on Jozy Altidore's header, but both back lines were showing their deficiencies. The second half opened with a rather quick pace, but neither team was able to take advantage. Neither Altidore nor Clint Dempsey made their presence felt very much in the second half, and the American attack didn't look like it was much in the mood for threatening Donovan Ricketts.
The Jamaicans started to really exert themselves as the match passed the hour mark, but it didn’t seem like they could take advantage of the US’s defensive frailties. By the final 15 minutes, the hot temperature and high humidity had taken its toll on both teams, leading to a lot of weak passes and dead legs.
It looked like the game was in the bag for the US, but Beckford headed home a free kick in the 89th minute to even the score at 1-1. That would not be the final tally, though, as Evans put home the winner two minutes into stoppage time off a pass from Michael Bradley.
With the three points secured, the USA stands in first place in the Hex standings with 7 points. They play again on Tuesday when they host Panama in Seattle.
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