From the moment it was announced, the match against Jamaica was earmarked as a massive test for the U.S. men's national team. A Gold Cup opener against a strong Reggae Boyz team loaded with Premier League experience? A tough ask, especially for a USMNT roster that's nowhere near an A-team.
It was, perhaps, even more difficult than expected too, as Jamaica were just moments away from handing the U.S. their first Gold Cup group stage loss in over a decade. Damian Lowe's opener looked like it could be enough as the U.S. struggled to do much of anything right against a Jamaica team that was clicking.
Then came Brandon Vazquez's goal, an 88th-minute finish that helped the U.S. salvage a point via a 1-1 draw. They'll take that result and run, for sure, as, for most of the match, it looked like one they'd never secure. With it, though, their Gold Cup is off to an okay start, even if the performance itself left plenty to be concerned about.
The next two matches will be easier, as the U.S. will take on Saint Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago in the final two group stage matches. The road will get tougher after that and, if this was any indication, the U.S. will have to improve a whole lot if they want to push for another Gold Cup title.
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