The United States defeated Jamaica 2-1 in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final thanks to phenomenal goals from Jozy Altidore and Jordan Morris. Altidore struck a pinpoint free kick on the stroke of halftime, but Je-Vaughn Watson equalized for Jamaica shortly after the break. With extra time looming, Morris dispatched a blistering effort in the 88th to give America the Cup.
The return of Bruce Arena as manager of the USMNT has been close to perfection — he’s now unbeaten in 14 matches, and he’s managed to lift his country back to the top of CONCACAF.
For Jamaica, the last-minute loss — and their second consecutive Gold Cup final defeat — is heartbreaking. Things looked bleak when inspirational goalkeeper Andre Blake was forced off in the 23rd minute with a hand injury, and Altidore’s strike could’ve been a hammer blow.
GO LA ZO Altidore abrió el marcador con esta 'joyita' #USA 1-0 #JAM pic.twitter.com/5DCNr0Okf8
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) July 27, 2017
But Watson managed to escape his marker, Morris, on a corner kick and steer in the equalizer in the 50th minute.
Así Je-Vaughn Watson marcó el gol de empate. #USA 1-1 #JAM pic.twitter.com/IVsIbb4uHk
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) July 27, 2017
In the 75th minute, Clint Dempsey was denied the USMNT scoring record after his downward header was somehow clawed out by Blake’s replacement, Dwayne Miller.
Extra time looked a certainty, but a cross from Gyasi Zardes was cleared towards the top of the box. Morris was there to put his laces through it, and his rifled shot gave Miller no chance.
The title-winning strike from @JmoSmooth13! #GoldCup2017 pic.twitter.com/iYU1rufVg4
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 27, 2017
The sixth Gold Cup victory for the U.S. means they’re now only one victory away from matching Mexico’s total.
The18 Recommends For You
