United States 2, Jamaica 1 - Jordan Morris’ Heroics Lead US To Gold Cup Title

Jordan Morris was the reason the United States and Jamaica were tied late in regulation of the 2017 Gold Cup final. He’s also the reason the USMNT are lifting a trophy.

Morris scored a winner in the 88th minute to power the USA past Jamaica in a 2-1 victory in at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

There weren’t many highlights until the 19th minute, when Jamaica keeper Andre Blake made a double save on Jozy Altidore and Kellyn Acosta. First, Altidore found himself with acres of space at the top of the box and took a shot from distance that Blake had to save acrobatically to his left. The follow up attempt from Acosta was also stuffed but at tremendous cost, as Blake suffered a serious injury to his hand and had to be substituted from the game. Back-up keeper Dwayne Miller entered the game in the 23rd minute after a delay to treat Blake’s injury.

The USA were limited on great chances in the first half, until Michael Bradley drew a foul in the center of the field in the 44th minute. Jozy Altidore took the ensuing free kick and found the top corner.

There will be speculation as to whether or not Blake would’ve been able to save the shot, as Miller got fingertips to it but was unable to keep out the sublime strike form Altidore. The US would take a slim but deserved lead into halftime as they dominated possession and held Jamaica without a shot in the first half.

Right after the halftime restart, the Reggae Boyz would strike back, this time from New England Revolution midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson.

The match then started to have end-to-end action. A Jamaican counter attack in the 74th minute saw Alvas Powell’s cross nearly converted for an own goal by Graham Zusi. The ensuing corner kick was dealt with and the US built up an attack that then saw substitute Clint Dempsey have his header saved off the post by Miller at the other side of the field. Miller was credited with four saves in relief of Blake on the evening.

A few minutes later Darren Mattocks was off the races on the counter attack again, only to be denied, perhaps incorrectly, by the offside flag. The United States continued to press deep in the Jamaica end, but the packed in Reggae Boyz defense only allowed half chances towards the end of the match.

In the 84th minute, the USMNT did catch a break when a low Clint Dempsey free kick found the feet of Jordan Morris near the six-yard box. However, Morris never got a shot off as Jamaica scrambled the ball clear as they tried to see out the end of regulation.

They would be unable to do so, as a Gyasi Zardes cross in the 88th minute took a deflection and fell to Morris from 15 yards out and the Seattle Sounders striker rifled a shot into the back corner of the net.

The United States claimed their 6th Gold Cup title which started back in 1991. Only Mexico has won more titles with seven. New England Revolution players Juan Agudelo and Kelyn Rowe each earned their first international trophy. Former Revs Pat Noonan and Matt Reis were members of Bruce Arena’s coaching staff as well.