Heartbreak for Boyz in Texas
Published:Friday | March 22, 2024 | 12:13 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
After scoring in the first minute of play Jamaica gave up a last minute goal, before losing 3-1 in extra-time to hosts United States in their Concacaf Nations League semifinal at the AT&T Stadium in Texas last night.
Although missing their elite attacking quartet of Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Shamar Nicholson and Michail Antonio, the Reggae Boyz were off to the best possible start. Greg Leigh gave them an unlikely lead with just a minute on the clock.
However, a Cory Burke own goal gave the hosts an unexpected equaliser on the last kick before full time. Then two Haji Wright goals in extra-time turned the game around and sent the US into Sunday’s final.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat coach Heimir Hallgrimsson had nothing but praise for his players.
“I thought the execution from the guys, given the absentees, was brilliant. Tactically they were good. Defensively they were absolutely spot on.
“I believe they (US) gave up trying to score in the end. We took all the momentum away. And had chances and should have killed the game off.
“But it really, really hurts for the guys. Doing so well for 90 minutes and concede a goal with the last touch of the game.
“I really feel for them but I want to give them a lot of credit for this game, against US at home and missing so many players,” he said
With the game one minute old, Reid’s looping ball to the back post found an onrushing Leigh who sent a header past Matt Turner in goal.
The US dominated possession and Christian Public had a great chance in the 17th minute. However, the Jamaicans played a disciplined game and kept them at bay for long periods.
The US had another great opportunity late in the half but Di’shon Bernard cleared Malik Tillman’s weak effort from three yards out.
After the break the US increased the pressure and good openings fell to Tillman, Timothy Weah and Weston McKinnie in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Renaldo Cephas had a splendid chance to put the Reggae Boyz two goals up after he stole possession from the last man, but he kicked straight into the hands of Turner.
Nevertheless, with almost all US hopes lost and with Jamaica on the brink of celebration, the hosts got the equaliser with a last ditch effort, as Burke’s attempt to clear Robinson’s header only went into his own net.
Wright then added goals on either side of extra period to complete the comeback for the US.
Winning coach Gregg Berhalter praised the Jamaican defence and described the late goal as a miracle.
“The worse thing to do is give up an early goal against a 5-4-1. When we got the goal at the end it was a miracle. But you are not always at your best but champions find a way to win.”