The point earned puts Jamaica at the top of Group B with Costa Rica, while Canada and El Salvador also have a point each, but they follow in the standings by virtue of their goal-less draw in the second game of a Stubhub double-header.
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Now with only two games left for El Salvador, they must try to get a big win over one of the better teams in the competition.
“I’ve never missed like that before, but it happens”, Larin said.
It will not be easy however as Jamaica actually has a poor record against the Canadians. Fouls from the front men, routinely let Canada off the hook and allowed them opportunities to build up.
Four of Canada’s seven shots came in the first 16 minutes.
“The ball must run”.
Canada’s David Edgar, who plays for English second division side Birmingham City, helped save a goal in the 27th minute when he cleared a ball off the line. Jamaica is tougher than Canada overall. Larin was substituted off at half as a result. On the flipside, Canada should come with better technique and tactical team approach that if they can dig for confidence and commit to pulling in the same direction, will be in a position for points and still in a position to advance when they arrive at BMO Field. “It’s still there for us, I know the guys won’t feel happy about the result (against Jamaica) and it’s just a matter of bouncing back”.
“Well, it was very hot out there”, he said in his official on-pitch interview. Barnes stepped up to strike it and lifted it over the wall but it didn’t dip enough, bouncing over the crossbar and out. Ouimette did not feature in Les Rouges opening match, but will be hoping to get a chance as Benito Floro might look to alternate his team that will be on short rest.
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The first game was a rousing clash, with Jamaica – fresh off three impressive one-goal defeats at Copa America – going ahead in the 13th minute, when Garath McCleary volleyed a bouncing throw-in from New York Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence into the net. The matches in Toronto will be the first Gold Cup games ever held outside of the United States or Mexico.
