Jamaica destroyed all of the USMNT's hopes of replicating what their female counterparts did a few weeks ago, by eliminating the Stars & Stripes in the Gold Cup semi-finals. The Reggae Boyz confirmed their progress and shocked the hosts with goals by Darren Mattocks and Giles Barnes in the first half, and taking a stand against the pressure exercised by the U.S. Even with Michael Bradley's goal just into the second half, the Americans were not able to equalize, giving Jamaica the chance to become the first Caribbean team to reach the Gold Cup final match.
Jamaica's form during the tournament was surprising enough to consider them as legitimate competitors, but the USMNT seemed to trust too much on what they could do. Mattocks' first goal came after a throw-in John Brooks failed to clear, and just when the Americans seemed to have the best chances to equalize, a handball by Brad Guzan just outside his box gave Giles Barnes to score the second goal of the night with a massive free kick.
After the break, Jamaica's goalie failed to stop a shot by Aron Johansson, leaving the ball lying there for Michael Bradley to score the 2-1. This was the third goal Bradley scored for the USMNT, but the team has never been able to win a match in which their captain scores.
Fans and experts took it against Brad Guzan and Jürgen Klinsmann, who's tactics did not convince their supporters. Check some of them below.
WATCH: All the game's goals
Goal JAM - No.11 @DarrenMattocks - USA 0-1 JAM #GoldCup2015 #CopaOro2015 @ussoccer @ItsTheJFF http://t.co/TW4Zm4iKNw
— Gold Cup 2015 (@GoldCup) July 22, 2015
Goal JAM - No.9 @GilesBarnesReal - USA 0-2 JAM #GoldCup2015 #CopaOro2015 @ussoccer @ItsTheJFF http://t.co/7R08jdxxUw
— Gold Cup 2015 (@GoldCup) July 22, 2015
Goal USA - No.4 @MichaelBradIey - USA 1-2 JAM #GoldCup2015 #CopaOro2015 @ussoccer @ItsTheJFF http://t.co/hz5eqJ3fRt
— Gold Cup 2015 (@GoldCup) July 22, 2015
Idk why but I'm enjoying seeing all the replies to the USMNT Twitter calling for Klinsmann to be sacked. Angry people love twitter
— Jack Transou (@jack_transou) July 23, 2015
Klinsmann asked if he has any regrets about using Brooks/Alvarado as centerbacks. Says he doesn't.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) July 23, 2015
Jurgen Klinsmann should have started Carli Lloyd.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) July 22, 2015
On the day Tim Howard says he is ready to return to National team, Brad Guzan makes huge mistake on Jamaican game winning goal. That's tough
— Maximiliano Bretos (@mbretosESPN) July 23, 2015
Brad Guzan makes a massive error the same day Tim Howard reiterates his desire to return to the #USMNT.
— Thomas Floyd (@thomasfloyd10) July 22, 2015