U.S. Sneaks By Jamaica, Will Face Mexico In Nations League Final
The U.S. needed a 90′ + 6′ own goal from Jamaica’s Cory Burke to extend the game and eventually defeat Jamaica 3-1 in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on Thursday.
The game started off poorly for the U.S. with Greg Leigh heading the ball past American keeper Matt Turner after only 30 seconds of game time. This was the earliest goal the USMNT had conceded this century and put the U.S. on the back foot right from the start.
Jamaica held tight and maintained their 1-goal advantage through 90 minutes of play. With time running out, the U.S. scored a miracle last-minute equalizer when Miles Robinson‘s flicked header hit Burke and redirected into the back of the net. This was the latest regulation goal the USMNT has scored since 2012.
With the game in extra time, substitute striker Haji Wright earned the title of hero after scoring two goals in the 96′ and 109′ to give the Stars and Stripes a 3-1 lead. Wright was not initially called up by manager Gregg Berhalter and is only with the U.S. squad as an injury replacement for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent.
Both of Wright’s goals were assisted by Nottingham Forest’s Gio Reyna. Despite being recognized as one of the USMNT’s most important players, Reyna has struggled to find playing time since joining Forest on loan this past January. However, his two assists proved to be of vital importance for the U.S. as Reyna continued to demonstrate his importance to Berhalter’s side.
The two extra-time goals proved to be decisive as the U.S. went on to be 3-1 winners. They will now advance to play Mexico in the final on Sunday after they dominated Panama 3-0 in the other semifinal matchup.
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