The U.S. men’s national team delivered a lackluster showing at Soldier Field on Saturday night, but was able to use a late equalizer from Brandon Vazquez to earn one point in its Concacaf Gold Cup opener.
Vazquez’s tying goal in the 88th minute helped B.J. Callaghan’s squad tie Jamaica 1-1 in Group A action. Damion Lowe’s first-half header boosted the Reggae Boyz in front, but Matt Turner’s key penalty kick save on Leon Bailey later in the half kept the Americans in the match.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad struck first in the 13th minute with Lowe taking advantage of poor USMNT defending off a set piece. Aaron Long failed to track back and Lowe’s powerful header nestled into the right side of Matt Turner’s net for a 1-0 Jamaica lead.
The Reggae Boyz had a golden chance to double their lead before halftime after Aidan Morris’ high kick caught Kevon Lambert in the chest. However, Matt Turner dove to his left to deny Leon Bailey’s penalty kick to keep the deficit at only one for the Americans.
Long came closest to tying things up for the USMNT before halftime, but skied his header off a corner kick over Andre Blake’s net.
B.J. Callaghan made several changes in the second half to try and spark the USMNT to a comeback. Djordje Mihailovic, Cade Cowell, and Cristian Roldan all came on as second-half substitutes with hopes of turning things around.
Roldan’s one-time effort in the 71st minute was kicked away by Blake before the rebound attempt was deflected out of the box via Roldan’s head.
Vazquez was in the right place at the right spot in the 88th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box and handing the USMNT one point from its opening match. Jesus Ferreira’s cross from the right wing was chested down by Dexter Lembikisa, but Vazquez reacted first to score his second international goal.
The USMNT will next face Saint Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday in St. Louis needing a better all-around performance to earn its first victory of this year’s tournament.