Jamaica Advances to Semifinals of Gold Cup with Win over Canada
Jamaica imposed its rhythm and more effective play to advance to the semifinals of the 2017 Gold Cup with a 2-1 victory over Canada today in the quarterfinals played at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
The Reggae Boyz quickly opened the scoring and celebrated the first goal of the night at the 6-minute mark, scored by Shaun Francis.
The 22-year-old Romario Williams increased the lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute and everything seemed resolved, but the Canadian David Junior Hoilett's goal 11 minutes later added suspense to the match until the final whistle.
This is the second consecutive time that Jamaica, runners-up in 2015, has reached the semifinals of the Gold Cup.
Canada, champions in the 2000 edition and now led by Ecuadorian Octavio Zambrano, has not advanced to the semifinals since 2005.
Jamaica will face the winner of the match between Mexico and Honduras in the next round, who will compete later.
PREVIEW
Canada vs. Jamaica: They will face off today (6:30 p.m.) for the quarterfinals of the 2017 Gold Cup. The winner of this match will face the winner of Mexico-Honduras.
Reggae Boyz eyeing spot in the semi-finals of the Gold Cup. https://t.co/6JDdsqsuev
— Official J.F.F (@ItsTheJFF) July 19, 2017
Canada, aiming to advance to their second semifinal for the first time since 2007, and Jamaica, who did so in the previous edition in 2015, open the quarterfinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona.
The winner of this match will face the winner between Mexico and Honduras in the semifinal on Sunday at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
A total of 49 MLS players were included in the rosters of the 12 participating teams in this Cup, with Canada contributing 10 and Jamaica nine.
Canada: Milan Borjan - Michael Petrasso, Dejan Jakovic, Steven Vitoria, Samuel Adekugbe, Scott Arfeld, Samuel Piette, Mark-Anthony Kaye, David Junior Hoilett, Tosaint Ricketts, Alphonso Davies. Coach: Octavio Zambrano.
Jamaica: Andre Blake - Alvas Powell, Damion Lowe, Jermaine Taylor, Kemar Lawrence, Michael Binns, Je-Vaughn Watson, Kevon Lambert, Oniel Fisher, Darren Mattocks, Cory Burke. Coach: Theodore Whitmore.