Jamaica Upsets the U.S., 2-1, in Gold Cup Semifinal

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Jamaica’s Darren Mattocks, center, is embraced by teammate Michael Hector after scoring a goal against the U.S. in the first half of a Gold Cup semifinal Wednesday in Atlanta.  (David Goldman / Associated Press)

 

Jamaica’s Darren Mattocks, center, is embraced by teammate Michael Hector after scoring a goal against the U.S. in the first half of a Gold Cup semifinal Wednesday in Atlanta.  (David Goldman / Associated Press)
Jamaica’s Darren Mattocks, center, is embraced by teammate Michael Hector after scoring a goal against the U.S. in the first half of a Gold Cup semifinal Wednesday in Atlanta.
 (David Goldman / Associated Press)

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz pulls off an upset against the United States in Atlanta GA. What had seemed preordained all along turned into the incomprehensible Wednesday.

Jamaica, which had won once in 22 run-ins with the U.S. national team going into the Gold Cup semifinals, foiled the championship matchup that, by almost unanimous consent, could have been carved in granite.

The 2-1 stunner at the Georgia Dome doused a soccer euphoria in the U.S. sparked by the recent women’s World Cup crown. It also renewed questions about Coach Juergen Klinsmann’s personnel decisions.

Now it’s the Sunday championship game in Philadelphia for the Reggae Boyz, who will face Mexico, a 2-1 winner over Panama in overtime.

The U.S will face Panama in the match Saturday in Philadelphia.

Mexico and the U.S. share all but one of the dozen Cup titles and were substantial co-favorites to duel for this one.

“We have no divine right to be in the finals,” said U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley.

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