PHILADELPHIA, Pennslyvania — Reggae Boyz head coach Winfried Schaefer says his players went above and beyond the call of duty to register their historic 2-1 win over hosts USA in the semi-final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Wednesday night.

The win catapulted Jamaica into their first ever final, where they are scheduled to meet CONCACAF powerhouse Mexico, slated for Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. Kick-off is at 7:30 pm (6:30 pm Jamaica time).

In the third-place play-off game, the vanquished USA will face Panama on Saturday at PPL Park at 4:00 pm (3:00 pm Jamaica time).

Schaefer, who also has the distinction of leading Jamaica to the Caribbean Cup title last November when the country hosted, praised the players for giving it their all in conquering the USA.

“They (Boyz) went over the limit, but we are not finished yet as we have one match more,” said the German.

He said he was pleased that both strikers were able to get onto the score sheet, in a contest that Jamaica showed character in withstanding the American onslaught, especially late in the game.

 “It was very difficult as the USA is a very physical team with very big potential and I was happy about our goals,” he said.

Vancouver Whitecaps Darren Mattocks opened the scoring for Jamaica in the 30th minute, with Houston Dynamo’s Giles Barnes added another six minutes later to put their team into a commanding position going into the break.

Michael Bradley, capitalising on a spill by Jamaica goalie Ryan Thompson, gave his country hope with a 48th-minute strike.

Meanwhile, the Boyz flew into Philadelphia earlier Thursday, and are scheduled for a full training session on Friday at venue to be decided.

Sean Williams