SANTA CLARA, California — The United States of America led Jamaica 1-0 at the half time interval in their CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament final here inside Levi’s Stadium.

After a tight first half in which Jamaica lost inspirational captain Andre Blake in a challenge, the hosts took the lead in the 45th minute when striker Jozy Altidore curled home a peach of a free-kick from 28 yards centre of goal after Romario Williams had fouled US captain Michael Bradley.

Substitute goalkeeper Dwayne Miller had no chance.

Blake appeared to suffer a serious hand injury in the 19th minute when he palmed away a screaming drive from Altidore, who had been given space to shoot. The outstanding Blake put his body on the line to smother the follow-up effort from Darlington Nagbe when he got hurt and had to be substituted.

Extra time and penalties will be employed if the scores are tied at the end of full time.

The winners of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament will receive US$1 million, the gold trophy and gold medals, while the runners-up will walk away with US$500,000 and silver medals.

Jamaica lost 1-3 to Mexico in the final two years ago, when they defeated the US for the first time on US soil 2-1 in the semi-finals. The United States are seeking their sixth title, trailing Mexico, who are seven-time winners.

Canada are the only other team to have won the tournament.

Ian Burnett