With a save goal from Brandon Vasquez, the United States tied 1-1 against Jamaica on Saturday in the opening game of the tournament. Gold Cup 2023 CONCACAF in Chicago (Illinois).
Defender Damion Lowe put Jamaica ahead in the 13th minute and Mexican-American Brandon Vazquez, who had just come off the bench, equalized in the 88th minute to cheers from the 36,000 fans at Soldier Field.
The United States, which will try to defend the 2021 title despite the absence of its stars, barely managed to save a point against Jamaica, who had the opportunity to increase penalties in the first half.
A Leon Bailey penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Matt Turner, the sole survivor of Team USA’s start in last week’s CONCACAF Nations League victory.
Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake also put in a brilliant performance to nullify clear chances from the American attack led by Colombian-American striker Jesus Ferreira.
With the locals storming into Blake’s goal, it was MLS forward FC Cincinnati Vazquez who equalized by taking advantage of a poor Caribbean qualifier just six minutes after coming on as a substitute.
“This goal means everything to me. To be able to come back with the team and score goals makes me very happy,” said the forward, who made his US debut in January after turning down the possibility of defending the Mexico outfit. his parents’ country.
Tie leaves ‘Team USA’ and ‘Reggae Boyz’ tied for top of Group A, which is complete Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts and Nevis meet on Sunday.
That day will also see B-key duels between Mexico and Honduras and between Haiti and Qatar.
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