USA score late to finally overcome Jamaica: The facts of the 2-1 World Cup qualifier win
On the back of beating Germany's B team in a friendly last weekend, The USA took a 2-1 win in a World Cup qualifier against Jamaica to avenge their painful loss there in the previous round of qualifying. After the USA surrendered the lead built by a 30th-minute Jozy Altidore goal in the 89th minute, defender Brad Evans scored a surprising winner in the second minute of injury time to snatch back three points for his side. It was ultimately an encouraging, yet flawed performance. So let's get to the facts of the night:
-USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann used the same starting XI that he did in the match against Germany, marking the first time he has ever repeated a starting XI in his two years with the team.
-This was Brad Evans' first international goal of his career (10 caps in four years). He celebrated that momentous occasion by completely cover his head in his shirt like a midriff-bearing superhero or a blind luchador.
-Despite his anonymity protecting celebration, Evans will have a nation's worth of free drink and child-bearing offers waiting for him when he returns home.
-This was the first time the USA have ever won a World Cup qualifier in Jamaica. Yes, ever.
-It shouldn't require a 92nd minute goal to take back the lead and get a win against winless Jamaica.
-Jozy Altidore has now scored in each of his last two matches after going two years without scoring from the run of play. Here's his latest:
-Graham Zusi, who has benefitted from Landon Donovan's absence from the team, set up both of those goals for Altidore. It's no coincidence that the man who scored 31 times for AZ Alkmaar this season starts scoring again for the national team when he finally gets some service.
-At the moment, Zusi and Altidore go together like pizza and more pizza.
-In the USA's 2-1 loss at Jamaica last year, both of Jamaica's goals were scored! from se t pieces. This time, Jermaine Beckford's goal was again scored from a free kick. There's a trend here. It needs to be fixed.
-The fault lines in the USA defense were once again evident well before Jamaica scored their goal.
-That said, the USA didn't even need the opposing goalkeeper to let in a ridiculous own goal to win this time. Progress!
-Michael Bradley, who set up Evans' goal, is really, really good. You knew that already, but it still needs to be said.
-Though the USA are in good position with seven points from four matches and two games at home later this month, treachery could still be afoot. Only last-place Jamaica are outside of striking distance from the three automatic qualification spots.
-Elsewhere, Mexico now have four draws (three of them scoreless) in five matches. That's as odd as it is surprising.
-Jurgen Klinsmann has a new lucky T-shirt.
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