U.S. beats Jamaica, 2-1, in final
Victory makes Arena the first coach to earn three Gold Cup titles
By The Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Jordan Morris scored a tiebreaking goal in the 88th minute, and the United States beat Jamaica, 2-1, Wednesday night for its sixth CONCACAF Gold Cup title and first since 2013.
Jozy Altidore’s goal on a 28-yard free kick in the 45th minute beat backup goalkeeper Dwayne Miller after Jamaica captain Andre Blake left with an injury.
Je-Vaughn Watson tied the score in the 50th off Kemar Lawrence’s corner kick. Morris, a star at nearby Stanford from 201315, got the breakthrough goal with a 14-yard rightfooted shot after Jermaine Taylor’s header failed to clear Gyasi Zardes’ cross. It was the fifth international goal for Morris, who tied for the tournament lead with three goals.
The U.S. extended its unbeaten streak to 14 games (90-5) under Bruce Arena, who became the first coach to win three Gold Cup titles.
U.S. captain Michael Bradley earned the Golden Ball at the tournament’s top player.
• The United States women’s team begins a tough test Thursday in Seattle when it faces Australia as part of the Tournament of Nations. Other teams in the tournament with the U.S. include sixth-ranked Japan, seventh-ranked Australia and eighth-ranked Brazil, which will play in a roundrobin portion of competition in Seattle, with a winner decided by points.
From there, the tournament shifts Sunday to San Diego before wrapping up in Carson, Calif., Aug. 3. Brazil faces Japan in the opener at CenturyLink Field before the U.S. faces Australia at 10 p.m.
The United States is looking to host a Tournament of Nations each summer that there isn’t a World Cup or an Olympic competition.
As far as the Americans’ chances:
After a disappointing lastplace finish in the SheBelieves Cup in March, the defending World Cup champions had dropped out of the top spot in the international rankings. Four consecutive wins have put the Americans back on top.
One player to keep an eye on is Megan Rapinoe, who has seen a resurgence this season with her pro team, the Seattle Reign. Rapinoe has 12 goals to lead the National Women’s Soccer League.