Sport
Jamaica shock USA 2-1, in World Cup qualifiers
Jamaica beats the United States 2-1. PHOTO/Gilbert Bellamy/Reuters
Jamaica surprised the United States 2-1 to seize the Group A lead as Mexico moved closer to the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) region.
Goals from Rodolph Austin and Luton Shelton overcame Clint Dempsey’s first-minute strike for the Americans as Jamaica posted their first victory over the US in 19 matches.
Dempsey’s goal, 36 seconds into the match, was the fastest for the United States in World Cup qualifying, confounding predictions that he would show some rust in his first competitive match since June.
But with Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley absent through injury, the United States couldn’t hold their lead as free kicks from Austin and Shelton gave Jamaica the victory.
In the 22nd, Austin fired a low shot through the US wall and past US goalkeeper Tim Howard.
It was Shelton’s turn in the 62nd minute and Jamaica, who came into the match level with the United States atop Group A, now lead with seven points.
The United States have four, as do Guatemala after their 3-1 victory over Antigua & Barbuda.
