Jamaica responded with some nice link up play with Houstonian Giles Barnes, playing Simon Dawkins through on goal.
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A former Reading teammate of McCleary, Jobi McAnuff, was also on the scoresheet for Jamaica in the 48th minute.
Longtime Red Bull Roy Miller led his Costa Rican side against dynamic New York newcomer, Kemar Lawrence and Jamaica – and both men made an impact in a 2-2 draw.
“That was a friendly game… completely two different teams from that game to now”, said de Guzman.
Canada were quite porous against El Salvador Wednesday night and Schafer’s team could flourish with precise finishing.
Heading into the second match of the group stage of the Gold Cup, if there is one silver lining, it is that Canada did not repeat the misfortune of allowing a late goal in their opening fixture as seen in 2013. Costa Rica has one Pan Am medal, a bronze in the first women’s tournament in 1999 when they beat Canada for the podium spot.
Two minutes later, the 23-year-old was in the box again, this time watching as Stamatopolous parried away his left-footed effort. Moments later, Stamatopoulos misplayed a punch-out, but he recovered to block Irvin Herrera’s close-range shot. Canada (0-1-1) has just one point. While the concurrent arrival of Orlando City rookie Cyle Larin and reigning MLS rookie of the Year Tesho Akindele provided Canadian fans with some unsafe optimism, neither has looked especially effective in this tournament.
Captain Arturo Alvarez’s low drive in the 58th minute was easily handled by Stamatopolous and, a minute later, Spain-based midfielder Samuel Piette forced Carrillo to tip over from a powerful volley. Outside of winning the Gold Cup and being the Concacaf Champion, the winner of the 2015 Gold Cup will play the winner of the 2013 Gold Cup (USA) for a berth in the Confederations Cup in Russian Federation 2017.
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Canada gained a share of the points thanks to a supremely organized defense, which prevented El Salvador from making much of their repeated forays forward in a 0-0 tie in the nightcap. And Tosaint Ricketts (photo, above right) had Canada’s best opportunity against Jamaica, a one-on-one against the goalkeeper, but failed to score. Both games will be played at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.
