Jamaica's Ian Goodison (centre) scores a header to send his team into the lead during the World Cup qualifying match at the National Stadium last night. Also in picture are (from left) Frankie Hejduk, Tyrone Marshall, Claudio Reyna, Claude Davis and Brian McBride. The game ended 1-1. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

There was almost a sense of inevitability about Jamaica registering their first victory against the USA. And for 88 minutes, the dream was on.

But then the Reggae Boyz turned what looked like a 1-0 victory into a 1-1 tie. Not bad if you are Panamanians or El Salvadorans, but for the capacity crowd of highly expectant Jamaicans, it was another opportunity lost in the CONCACAF World Cup semi-final round qualifier at the National Stadium last night.

Veteran defender Ian "Pepe" Goodison headed the Boyz into a 48th-minute lead, just like he did back in 1997 when the team beat CONCACAF powerhouse Mexico, 1-0. Back then it was also Jamaica's first victory against the Central Americans in World Cup qualifiers.
But that was not to be last night and both teams had to settle for a point. At the end, the visitors were naturally the more satisfied after substitute Brian Ching notched his first international goal.

Jamaican striker Ricardo Fuller (left) shields the ball from United States player Cobi Jones during their CONCACAF World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium last night. The teams played to a 1-1 draw. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

"Jamaica played well in the first half, but the game began to fall our way," said American coach Bruce Arena.
"This was really a test of the team to come from behind. The least you want is a point, especially on the road. That point was well-deserved. This Jamaica team was a hell of a lot better than the last time," Arena added.
Jamaica's technical director Carl Brown thought the visitors got away again, but he gave them credit for a disciplined effort.
"Today (yesterday) is not that we did anything wrong as credit must go to this US team. They are a very disciplined team and that's how they have played us over the years and they got away again..."

Credit to the Boyz

He also gave credit to the Boyz: "The good players played very well and I believe this is what we're asking them to do, especially at this stage of the competition."
Jamaica went close in the 12th minute when an Andy Williams left-sided free-kick was skillfully flicked on by Tyrone Marshall and the ever-present goal poacher, Marlon King, shot just wide on the turn.

There was a period of good approach play by the home team, but the final passes went astray, and on a few occasions, skipper Theodore Whitmore hesitated with the through pass and lost the opportunities.
The US, who looked guarded in the first quarter hour, gradually sneaked into the contest with holding midfielders, captain Claudio Reyna and Chris Armas, taking turns breaking from centre field to create openings in the Jamaican defence.

They had a few chances to test goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, but they squandered them with poor final passes and good blocks from the Jamaican defence.
Just after the half-hour mark, Jamaica, through Ricketts, almost gifted the visitors the lead. The long ball was played over the defence to striker Landon Donovan, who was in an off-side position, but the smart forward stood his ground and Ricketts casually jogged out of his area and chipped the ball up-field, thinking the whistle had gone for off-side. The ball fell kindly to the Americans who raided and was just denied a goal.

The home side looked re-energised after the break and countered down the right flank through Whitmore, Ralph and Williams. The latter darted to the byline, but his attempted cross was blocked by a defender.
From his resulting corner, Goodison soared high to head out of the reach of Kasey Keller, sending the crowd into wild excitement because they were now certain history was in the making. It was the first time the Boyz were scoring against the US in World Cup qualifying here at the National Stadium.

Orders to attack

Arena wore a worried look and promptly ordered his troops into attack. That they did with Brian McBride volleying high from the edge of the penalty box after being set up by a subdued Donovan.
A minute later, DaMarcus Beasley, whose speed created havoc for Fabian Davis all night on the right side, was allowed space to dribble 30 yards before side-footing a grounder into the safe hands of Ricketts.
And just minutes after entering the field, Ching got a glorious chance to put his team level, but his soaring header flew just wide, as the Jamaicans backpedaled.

The introduction of Ricardo Fuller sparked new life into the Jamaica team and after rounding Frankie Hejduk just outside his penalty area on the left, the wily striker served a centre pass for Ralph, whose gentle tap from six yards rolled agonizingly wide of Kasey Keller's left hand post.
But the disciplined Americans never wavered and two minutes from the end, they were rewarded when Ching and Donovan had enough time to confidently play the ball around inside the box before ramming home from close range.
There was deafening silence. History was thus denied again, but at least the Boyz are getting closer.

Jamaica - Donovan Ricketts, Ian Goodison, Claude Davis, Fabian Davis, Ricardo Gardner, Tyrone Marshall, Theodore Whitmore, Micah Hyde, Andy Williams, Damani Ralph, Marlon King (Ricardo Fuller 66th).
Booked: Fabian Davis (58th)
Subs not used: A Lawrence, D Stewart, R Langley, K Lisbie, J Johnson and D Burtonn
United States - Kasey Keller, Eddie Pope, Carlos Bocanegra, Frankie Hejduk, Greg Vanney, Claudio Reyna, Earnie Stewart (Cobi Jones 69th), Chris Armas (Eddie Lewis 77th), DeMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, Brian McBride (Brian Ching 88th).
Booked: None
Subs not used: J Walker, K Zavagnin, S Cherundolo, C Gibbs
Referee: William Mattus (Costa Rica)
Assistants: Edgar Bolanos & Leonel Bermudez (Costa Rica)
Fourth Official: Greivin Quiros (Costa Rica)
Match Commissary: Oscar Thamar-Torres (Guatemala)
Referee Inspector: Osmond Downer (Trinidad and Tobago)

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