The United States U-20 National Team defeated CONCACAF U-20 Championship hosts Jamaica 2-0 on Sunday night to pick up a very important three points as they look to qualify for the 2015 U-20 World Cup. The Americans now sit in third place in Group A with seven points (2-1-1) with one match left to play. Panama is in first with 12 points, followed by Guatemala with 10.

The U.S. closes out group play on Wednesday against Trinidad and Tobago. A win or draw is all that is needed for the Americans to finish third and advance to a playoff against an opponent to be determined. The group winners automatically qualify for the final and the World Cup, while the second and third place teams from both groups will play each other for the final two spots from the region.

After struggling in their first two games, a draw with Guatemala and a loss to Panama, the U.S. blew out Aruba 8-0 last Wednesday. However, they knew this would be a difficult match given that playing the host is always difficult. However, Jamaica hardly looked like a threat.

It was a physical game and arguably was poorly officiated. Both goals were scored by Romain Gall of the Columbus Crew on penalty kicks after fouls in the box. Gall scored one in each half. Both penalties saw yellow cards issued to Jamaican players, first to defender Allando Brown for shoving down San Jose Earthquakes forward Tommy Thompson from behind. The second came after Jamaica goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson tripped Bradford Jamieson IV of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Jamaica was lucky that neither were issued red cards even though replays showed they could have been. Jamaican defender Daniel Brown received a red card late for an ugly challenge on USA midfielder Russell Canouse. Thompson was issued a yellow card for shoving a Jamaican player in retaliation just before the final whistle following a skirmish. It was an ugly game throughout, but the important thing for the Americans was to pick up all three points.

Gall now has five goals in the tournament after a hat trick against Aruba, and his scoring has been incredibly important for the USA over these last two fixtures.

The USA played a much tighter game and was in control the entire game but are still struggling in the final third. The defense was much tighter than it had been and it seems that the team finally was on the same page. All they have to do is not lose to Trinidad and they will advance. In spite of the disappointment of not having a chance to win the overall title, the most important thing for the United States is qualifying for the World Cup. They still control their own destiny in that endeavor.

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