USA denied Jamaica the opportunity to grab an upset victory in the opening 2023 Gold Cup game after securing a 1-1 draw thanks to a late goal from substitute Brandon Vazquez.
The Reggae Boyz shocked the USMNT fans at Soldier Field in the 14th minute when defender Damion Lowe opened up the scoring with a decisive header from a set piece. Youngster Aidan Morris then made the crucial error of fouling Leon Bailey in a dangerous position within the USA half, inspiring Demarai Gray’s cross to find Lowe, who was unmarked, for the goal.
Things almost went from bad to worse for Stars and Stripes as Morris gave away another foul – but this time in his own box to award Jamaica a penalty. But goalkeeper Matt Turner stepped up, saving Leon Bailey’s attempt to keep the score at 1-0.
Despite the saved penalty, Jamaica were comfortably the better side in the first 45.
The second was a bit of a lull until around the 70th minute when MLS and Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake denied substitute Cristian Roldan to chance to score with an excellent save. But Roldan’s attempt was enough to build momentum for the Stars and Stripes in the final third.
After the USA kept huffing and puffing with chances, they finally got past Andre Blake after a close-range strike from super-sub Brandon Vazuez as the ball dropped right to his feet.
As the game ended 1-1, Jamaica will be frustrated they didn’t come away with the win but will definitely take confidence into their remaining group stage games. However, for USA, there will be even more pressure now as they have to win their remaining games to ensure progression to the quarterfinals.
GK: Matt Turner – 7/10 – Couldn’t really do much about the first goal but came up with a big penalty save against Leon Bailey.
LB: John Tolkin – 6/10 – Denied the opposition a clear cut goal with a clearance but was quiet otherwise. Went shoulder to shoulder with Antonio to keep his team in the game.
CB: Aaron Long – 5/10 – Allowed too much space for the Jamaica attack and was subbed off after the first half due to injury.
CB: Matt Miazga – 6/10 – Left Damion Lowe unmarked for the opener but got better as the game went on.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – 6/10 – The speedy Inter Miami player was up and down the pitch but got caught out of position at times.
DM: Aidan Morris – 5/10 – His foul led to the opening goal and another foul that led to PK that Jamaica fortunately missed. His game improved in the second half.
DM: James Sands – 7/10 – Had a quiet first half against the Jamaican midfield alongside Aidan Morris and improved as the game rolled on.
LW: Alan Sonora – 6/10 – Was quiet for most of the game but linked up
AM: Jordan Morris – 6/10 – Was unlucky to not scored in the first half after a terrific save from Blake. Was subbed off early in the second 45.
RW: Alex Zendejas – 6/10 – Had a similar game to Sonora, with a few good moments here and there.
ST: Jesus Ferreira – 7/10 – Dropped into midfield to link play and made some great runs that went unnoticed.
Substitutes
CB: Jalen Neal (46′ for Aaron Long) – 7/10 – Made a great intervention on Antonio to deny from a run at goal while he stepped in for Long.
LW: Cade Cowell (55′ for Jordan Morris) – 6/10 – Made several good runs and delivered a perfect cutback pass to Roldan.
AM: Cristian Roldan (65′ for Alan Sonora) – 7/10 – Was lively when he came on and nearly scored.
AM: Djordje Mihailovic (65′ for Alex Zendejas) – N/A.
ST: Brandon Vazquez (82′ for John Tolkin) – 7/10 – Provided instant impact and leveled the game, saving the US.
Manager
B.J. Callaghan – 6/10 – Put out a strong lineup that was very different to the one in the Nations League final a week ago and there certainly was a difference in play. Didn’t hesitate to to make changes and put youngsters in when trailing and it worked to a degree.
GK: Andre Blake – 8/10 – Came up with a huge save near the end of the first half to keep his side ahead for the time being. Denied Roldan the chance to level the game with an incredible close-up save.
LB: Amari’i Bell – 6/10 – Was solid up against Sonora but was unlucky to be subbed off due to injury.
CB: Adrian Mariappa – 6/10 – Stood tall alongside Lowe and kept the USA attack at bay until late on in the game.
CB: Damion Lowe -8/10 – Was booked early on but responded with the opening goal via a point-blank header. Made several key interventions throughout the game.
RB: Dexter Lemikisa – 7/10 – Was solid opposite to Bell, mainly taking on more defensive duties.
LM: Demarai Gray – 7/10 – Caused the USA defense tons of trouble and assisted Lowe’s goal.
CM: Kevon Lambert – 7/10 – Won his side a penalty kick and kept things ticking in midfield.
CM: Joel Latibeaudiere – 6/10 – Had a solid outing in the middle of the park, controlling the tempo of the game.
RM: Bobby Decordova-Reid – 7/10 – Slowed the game down on several occasions by holding the ball well and drawing fouls. Was impactful going forward in the second half and pitched in defensively.
ST: Leon Bailey – 6/10 – Dropped into midfield at times to link play, but failed to put his country 2-0 up from the penalty spot. Displayed terrific moments of skill throughout the game.
ST: Michail Antonio – 6/10 – Attracted a lot of attention which allowed space for teammates and provided a great bit of skill that led to a half-chance.
Substitutes
RB: Kemar Lawrence (66′ for Amari’i Bell) – 6/10 – Slotted in for the injured Bell and was solid.
ST: Cory Burke (76′ for Michail Antonio) – Didn’t really get a sniff at goal due to Jamaica trying to defend their lead.
LW: Shamar Nicholson (90′ for Leon Bailey) – N/A.
CM: Daniel Johnson (90′ for Demarai Gray) – N/A.
Manager
Heimir Hallgrimsson – 7/10 – Selected a strong XI for Jamaica and they were impressive in their upset victory. The decision to with a 4-4-2 served his side well despite the draw.
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