Kingston, Jamaica (Sports Network) - A second-half free kick from Luton
Shelton was the difference as Jamaica earned its first-ever win against the
United States on Friday, topping the Americans 2-1 in a CONCACAF World Cup
qualifier.
The U.S. brought an all-time record of 10-0-8 into the match, and looked set
to continue its run of dominance as Clint Dempsey scored in the opening 40
seconds of the contest to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
However, Jamaica largely took control of the match after the early goal and
was back on level terms in the 24th minute when a free kick from Rudolph
Austin was driven into the American wall and struck the foot of Kyle
Beckerman, redirecting it inside the right post.
It was a bit of a good break for Jamaica, and the hosts needed a nice save
from goalkeeper Dwayne Miller to keep out a lunging effort from Dempsey just
before halftime.
Miller didn't need to do a lot after the break, and Shelton struck the
decisive blow in the 62nd minute with a well-struck free kick from 25 yards
that sailed over the wall and dipped inside the left post.
The Americans were able to apply some pressure over the final 15 minutes, but
couldn't generate a meaningful chance, dropping the U.S. team's record to
0-1-4 in World Cup qualifying matches in Jamaica.
With the win, Jamaica moves to the top of the group on seven points, while the
U.S. remains on four points. However, the two sides will meet up again on
American soil on Tuesday, giving Jurgen Klinsmann's team a chance to bounce
back quickly.
The Sports Network