The deserved triumph lifted the Boyz to four points in Group B’s standings, ahead of Canada, Costa Rica and El Salvador.
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El Salvador comes into this contest sitting in third in the group on goals scored.
And on the cusp of half-time Stamatopoulos lost out on an aerial challenge, but did enough to deflect Mariappa’s header away for another corner despite ending up on the floor.
El Salvador have generally had the better of their two matches so far but have been unable to turn their dominance in terms of goal-scoring opportunities into victory. In the end, Jamaica would outshoot Canada by a tally of 21 to 7. Canada would find a few early chances but, after the first ten minutes, gradually sat back deeper and could only muster enough energy for the rare counterattack.
“It just comes down to us getting a win against Costa Rica and the one advantage we have is that we’re playing at home”, said midfielder Julian de Guzman, who returned to action after missing Canada’s opening match against El Savador with an injury.
The winning goal came off some sloppy defense by Canada.
But in the 92nd minute the pressure of Jamaica finally told as the cross was sent in to a rushing on Rodolph Austin.
As the El Salvador game played out, many looked towards a combination of wasted chances (the Cyle Larin miss still leaving people in shock) and some of head coach Benito Floro’s team selections as the chief criticisms. With the loss, the Canadians are in danger of being eliminated as they face Costa Rica next.
A win by the Jamaicans will land them at first place in Group B, which could be unfavorable as they will run into the defending champions Team United States of America in the semifinals. With Darren Mattocks likely to get the nod upfront Tuesday, the Vancouver Whitecaps forward will have to prove his attacking prowess and lead his side to the next round.
Played through by team-mate Saborio, Ruiz beat keeper Derby Carrillo at his near post with a powerful low effort.
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On the docket for Day Six is the second round of matches for Group C in Phoenix, Arizona, where Trinidad and Tobago will meet Cuba at 6:30 pm ET and Guatemala takes on Mexico at 9 pm ET.
