Stealing Two Points from Jamaica

The United States Men's National Team visited Jamaica for what should've been a run of the mill easy three points on the road. But of course, the USMNT didn't make it easy on themselves. First of all, the Men's team has never won on Jamaican soil during World Cup Qualifiers. Yes, you heard me correctly.

Jozy Altidore scored his second consecutive National Team goal by heading one in at the 30th minute; however, from pretty much that point on, it was the Reggae Boyz show. Jamaica kept constant pressure on the visiting Americans. The Americans seemed happy with a one-nil lead and proved it with their pedestrian play that lacked quality, imagination, and creativity. The USMNT blasé play reared its lazy head when the Reggae Boyz scored from a set piece that seemed to lull the defense to sleep and confused USA keeper Tim Howard as to whether or not he should come out to claim the ball. As Howard was waiting for the light to come on over his head, the ball was tickling the twine behind him. The 89th minute tying goal for the Reggae Boyz brought the Jamaican players and fans to life. There was an air of theft about: the theft of two crucial points in qualifying play. 

Then the fourth official held up the sign: four minutes of added time. A quick corner was taken by the U.S., and Brad Evans. Yes, Brad Evans, the defender stole the two points back from the Reggae Boyz in the 92nd minute. Evans gave the USMNT 2nd place in the Hexagonal for World Cup Qualifying. 

I'm not so sure that the fellas in red, white, and blue deserved the win. Jamaica certainly deserved the draw, if not the win. 

I'm not sure what is lacking in the men's game. When I watch the USMNT the guys seem like they've never been on the same pitch before the game. There's a lack of communication, awareness, and gelling for the squad. I don't know if the men's team watches the US Women's National Team play. The USWNT team plays with more passion than the men. Maybe the fellas should check out the women's game and take a pointer or two on how to play a lot more like a team than 11 players wearing the same jersey.