Je-Vaughn Watson and Jamaica took down the tournament-favorite and punched their ticket to the 2015 Gold Cup Final last night with a 2-1 win over the United States.
The Reggae Boyz withstood early pressure from the Americans in the opening half hour, and in the 31st minute Darren Mattocks flicked a header off both posts before trickling over the goal line to take a 1-0 lead.
Then, just six minutes later, U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan was called for a handball as he extended beyond the 18 on a throw upfeld. Giles Barnes sent the ensuing free kick, with pace, over the wall and into the back of the net to put Jamaica up, 2-0.
The U.S. would add their lone goal in the 48th minute as Michael Bradley was able to capitalize on a bobbled ball from Jamaican goalkeeper Ryan Thompson.
Jamaica stood tall for the remainder of the 2nd half en route to their first appearance in the Gold Cup Final.
It appeared for a time that Watson would be facing FCD teammate Blas Perez and Panama in the Final, but a controversial handball call in the box in the 89th minute against Panama’s Roman Torres allowed Andres Guardado to score the first of what would be two PK goals in the match. Mexico would win the second Semifinal matchup in extra time, 2-1.
Sunday’s Final is set for a 6:30 p.m. CDT kick and can be seen nationally on Fox Sports 1.
