USA vs Jamaica score, result, highlights as Brandon Vazquez rescues draw for USMNT in Gold Cup opener

Kyle Bonn

USA vs Jamaica score, result, highlights as Brandon Vazquez rescues draw for USMNT in Gold Cup opener image

It wasn't pretty, but it was never going to be. Substitute Brandon Vazquez's late equalizer helped the United States secure a point against Jamaica in a 1-1 draw to open 2023 Gold Cup play on Saturday night.

Jamaica, featuring a roster that boasted a number of Premier League and European-based players, foiled a domestic-heavy U.S. squad for much of the 90 minutes in Chicago. With most of the U.S. stars gone after serving faithfully on CONCACAF Nations League duty, a "B team" roster was deployed for this Gold Cup, and it appeared disjointed.

Yet, after Damion Lowe's early goal put Jamaica ahead, the U.S. managed to hold out for much of the match, with Matt Turner's first-half penalty save helping to give the Gold Cup hosts a chance. Then, Vazquez rewarded his side's gritty effort with an 88th-minute equalizer. He received the ball from Jesus Ferreira and deposited it from close range.

While the USMNT performance was far from inspiring, it also secured a big point. The U.S. is in good position to advance to the knockout round given that its remaining group stage games will be against St. Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Sporting News followed the USA vs Jamaica match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happened.

MORE: Full USA roster, squad breakdown for 2023 Gold Cup

USA vs Jamaica live score

  Final Goal scorers
USA 1 Vazquez (88')
Jamaica 1 Lowe (13')

Starting lineups:

USA (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Turner (GK) — 2. Yedlin, 4. Miazga, 3. Long (Neal, 46'), 21. Tolkin (Vazquez, 80') — 7. Sonora (Mihailovic, 65'), 8. Sands, 13. A. Morris — 13. J. Morris (Cowell, 54'), 9. Ferreira, 17. Zendejas (Roldan, 65').

Jamaica (4-4-2, right to left): 1. Blake (GK) — 2. Lembiska, 19. Mariappa, 17. Lowe, 4. Bell (Lawrence, 65') — 10. Reid, 15. Latibeaudiere, 3. Lambert, 7. Bailey (D. Johnson, 90') — 12. Grey (Nicholson, 90'), 18. Antonio (Burke, 75').

USA vs Jamaica post-match analysis

Jamaica squad had better players, and it showed

There's no harm in admitting that, given the roster construction for both sides, Jamaica were almost certainly the better side. They featured four Premier League players in their starting lineup, including forwards Demarai Gray and Michail Antonio, plus Andre Blake, who has been the best goalkeeper in MLS for years.

The U.S., meanwhile, essentially deployed its C team, and coach BJ Callaghan will want to consider making changes for the rest of the group stage.

All things considered, given the separation of talent, how the match played out was not terribly unexpected.

Cade Cowell has to start for the U.S. the rest of the Gold Cup

After a wonderful performance in the U-20 World Cup, it was somewhat surprising that Cowell did not start against Jamaica. He came on late for Alex Zendejas and changed the game completely.

The 19-year-old was electric down the left flank, and his danger not only set up a number of U.S. chances but also forced the Jamaica back line to stretch, leaving space in the middle for players like Brandon Vazquez, who scored the late equalizer. Cowell was the creator of a big Cristian Roldan chance late in the second half, which Andre Blake saved brilliantly.

"Cade is still developing his game," U.S. coach BJ Callaghan said after the match. "He has the ability to beat players one-on-one and has a lot of energy. He'll be a really important player for us as we go through this tournament."

It would be shocking at this point if Cowell did not earn more playing time in this Gold Cup, given what he showed in this match off the bench.

U.S. committed frustrating mistakes in midfield

While it was clear that Jamaica were giving the U.S. problems, BJ Callaghan's side also gave itself problems.

The U.S. suffered from a terrible bout of beating itself. James Sands and Alan Sonora both had bright moments in possession, but they also made some ugly mistakes. So, too, did Jesus Ferreira, Aidan Morris and many others.

Two moments stand out. The penalty that Aidan Morris gave away, which was ultimately saved by Matt Turner, was a brainless mistake. Additionally, the Jamaica goal came on a blown offside trap that saw Matt Miazga not hold his line, leaving the rest of the U.S. defense with its pants down. Those things can't happen for players looking to push for first-team spots in the upcoming World Cup cycle.

USA vs Jamaica live updates, highlights, commentary

FULL TIME: USA 1-1 Jamaica

It wasn't pretty, but the U.S. manage to secure a point against Jamaica thanks to Brandon Vazquez's late equalizer.

Jamaica are true contenders in this Gold Cup, and showed as much in this match. Bobby Reid was a menace, and the midfield caused issues for the U.S. all night. Additionally, the U.S. caused problems for themselves, misplacing passes constantly under little pressure.

USA vs Jamaica: Second Half

90+1 min: Jamaica make a pair of substitutions — their last ones — bringing on Shamar Nicholson and Daniel Johnson. They have a corner that's nervy for the U.S. but eventually the ball rolls to Matt Turner. Seven minutes of stoppage time are shown.

88th min: GOAL! USA! There's the equalizer, from Brandon Vazquez!! Jesus Ferreira, playing on the right wing with more attacking players in, sends a cross into a dangerous area. It hits Lembiska and falls right to Vazquez who finishes it emphatically with nobody there to step and challenge. Can they now go for a winner?

84th min: The U.S. is throwing the kitchen sink forward. A free-kick is cleared, but Cade Cowell returns a great cross into the penalty area that Matt Miazga can't meet. Cristian Roldan ends it with a really poor shot from miles out that doesn't come close. Andre Blake earns a yellow card for time wasting.

81st min: James Sands takes a huge hack at a rebound at the top of the penalty area, and it's blocked by Joel Latibeaudiere, who takes the hit in the stomach and goes down. The referee stops play, which angers the U.S. players because it wasn't a head injury.

Brandon Vazquez enters for John Tolkin, which is an attacker for a defender. BJ Callaghan throwing it all forward. Aidan Morris draws a foul which sees Kemar Lawrence booked.

75th min: Another substitute for Jamaica, as West Ham striker Michail Antonio is withdrawn for Cory Burke.

71st min: Chance, USA! A GREAT SAVE BY ANDRE BLAKE! Cade Cowell sends a vicious cross from the end line right to Cristian Roldan at the top of the six-yard box, and Roldan redirects it on frame, but it's right at the feet of Blake who holds his ground and keeps the U.S. off the scoresheet. That's a really high-level save, but Roldan will expect himself to do better with that chance.

How about Cade Cowell, though! He has really lifted things on the U.S. left wing.

69th min: Jamaica are sitting deeper as this half goes on, and they are allowing the U.S. to possess the ball in the attacking half. It's worked, as the U.S. hasn't created much danger on the whole. Jesus Ferreira gives the ball away under very little pressure with a heavy layoff with his back to goal.

65th min: Jamaica left-back Amari'i Bell is down long enough that the stretcher comes out. He gets up and wants to walk off the field, but the referee forces him to sit on the stretcher and get carried off.

The Reggae Boyz will make their first substitution, with Kemar Lawrence coming on for Bell. U.S. counters with Djordje Mihailovic and Cristian Roldan, replacing Alan Sonora and Alex Zendejas.

60th min: The U.S. play is getting much sloppier, and the Soldier Field crowd is getting restless. The fans in Chicago are beginning to boo sporadically when the ball is given away by the United States.

56th min: Chance, USA! Right off the throw, Alex Zendejas gets free cutting inside onto his left, but his whipped shot just goes over the crossbar. That wasn't too far off!

54th min: The U.S. has a long spell of attacking possession, but Jesus Ferreira's one-two with DeAndre Yedlin doesn't work.

Cade Cowell enters for the U.S. with BJ Callaghan's second change, replacing Jordan Morris. This game is begging for the San Jose Earthquakes youngster in the attacking third. He was electric at the U-20 World Cup.

51st min: Dicey moment for the U.S. at the back as James Sands can't clear before he has his pocket picked by Bobby Reid, but DeAndre Yedlin managed to clear out for a corner, which does not come to anything for Jamaica. Reid is causing all kinds of problems down the 

46th min: Oooooof, Alan Sonora just whiffed hard with a right-footed shot attempt with the U.S. on a dangerous counter-attack. That's an ugly one, it was a good chance to shoot at the far post.

Fox broadcast reports that Aaron Long was withdrawn at the halftime break due to a slight quad injury. Report states the move was precautionary.

Kickoff: BJ Callaghan has made one change at halftime, withdrawing Aaron Long and entering young Jalen Neal. Hard to tell if that was a pre-arranged change, or if Callaghan was reacting to the first 45 minutes. Long is carrying a head injury from a cut he received in MLS action, and now Neal can earn a huge chance at the international level.

HALFTIME: USA 0-1 Jamaica

Up against a Jamaica side that features a number of European players, a largely domestic-based U.S. squad was forced into a number of mistakes. It was a pretty even half on the whole, but Jamaica took one of their two chances, while the U.S. did not.

Still, this game is quite balanced, and both sides will take positives from those 45 minutes. Jamaica have deserved their lead, but the U.S. have had moments, and BJ Callaghan's side is very much in this game.

USA vs Jamaica: First Half

45+1 min: Chance, USA! Andre Blake makes a HUGE save to deny Jordan Morris! The Seattle Sounders winger is played clean through, but his first touch is heavy and it allows Blake to close down the chance. Morris does still get the shot off, but Blake gets his arm to it and sends it wide. Morris has to score there!!

45th min: The U.S. look dangerous on a corner but can't get a shot on goal, and Jamaica counter, with DeAndre Yedlin clipping Bobby Reid to end the threat. The foul is called, and Jamaica want a card, but none is produced.

40th min: Damion Lowe makes another really aggressive and clumsy challenge after losing the ball in the attacking third, going in two-footed on Aidan Morris. BJ Callaghan is arguing for a second yellow, and while it (rightly) doesn't come, Jamaica coach Heimir Hallgrimsson will have to think about making a change at halftime, because Lowe is seemingly begging Cesar Ramos to produce the red card.

37th min: Jamaica are milking every single dead ball for as many moments as they can. The clear time-wasting tactics have U.S. players very frustrated. The Reggae Boyz take forever to take a long throw and the crowd gets antsy.

Bobby Decordova-Reid puts in a scissor tackle on Aidan Morris, who goes down in a heap, and the referee does not make a call, which has BJ Callaghan incensed.

34th min: Chance, USA! More pressure from the United States, as Jordan Morris continues to cause problems in the attacking third. It wins a corner, and Alan Sonora's corner is venomous, right on a platter for Aaron Long who rises high to meet it. Long, wearing a head wrap, doesn't get the contact right, and instead meets it with his shoulder.

27th min: PENALTY, JAMAICA! No hestitation from Cesar Ramos, as Aidan Morris gets caught swinging wildly at a bouncing ball in the area, and his elevated boot kicks Lambert right in the chest, and the referee points right to the spot. It's a clear penalty, just a completely rash moment from the young Morris.

Leon Bailey steps up to take, and...IT'S SAVED BY MATT TURNER! The U.S. goalkeeper goes down to his left and makes the stop on Bailey's low, poor effort. The rebound comes right back to Bailey, but he rushes it and sends his follow-up shot wide. What a moment for the birthday boy! Hard to tell which effort was worse from Bailey, the shot or the follow-up.

24th min: The U.S. are starting to apply more pressure. Another corner from Alan Sonora is cleared, but he gets it back and skins a defender. His cross is again cleared. The U.S. are holding a lot of possession now and putting Jamaica under the gun, but they haven't created any chances. It's been a bit slow in the attacking third.

21st min: James Sands and Alex Zendejas do well to win possession back in their own half and filter it forward, and the U.S. eventually go down and win a corner. The initial delivery was cleared but it comes to John Tolken who sends a wild blast miles wide of the net on the volley.That one never had a chance of getting on frame.

20th min: The U.S. hasn't exactly responded with electricity since going behind, but Jordan Morris is fouled to give the U.S. a great set-piece chance. The free-kick delivery, however, is poor, and doesn't beat the first man.

13th min: GOAL! JAMAICA! Damion Lowe, who was the recipient of the very early yellow card, gives Jamaica the lead! It comes on a set-piece, and while the rest of the U.S. defense plays an offside trap, Matt Miazga gives an inch, and it plays Lowe onside for a free header. The defending champions trail early in the group stage opener!

The goal is Lowe's third international strike comes in his 52nd international cap.

10th min: Cesar Ramos gives Adrian Mariappa a warning for pulling Jesus Ferreira back. The referee played advantage at the time, but once the ball eventually went out of play, he made it clear that's Mariappa's one freebee. Stuart Holden on the FOX broadcast thought it would be a yellow card.

8th min: Chance, USA! The U.S. clear the Jamaican pressure and counter through a big switch from DeAndre Yedlin to Jesus Ferreira. Alan Sonora gets open at the back post but his shot is right at Andre Blake. It's going to need a much better effort to beat a goalkeeper of Blake's caliber. That's a huge opportunity though, as the U.S. looked very dangerous in transition.

7th min: Jamaica pushes forward into the attacking third, thanks largely to a thumping (but very legal) challenge in midfield by Lowe, who's already been booked. Bobby Decordova-Reid takes a shot but it's blocked.

3rd min: There's a very early issue for referee Cesar Ramos to handle, as Damion Lowe comes in hard and high on James Sands with his studs. It's a 50/50 ball, and while the U.S. players surround Ramos arguing for a red, Lowe instead gets a very early yellow card after the referees confer.

It's a very bad challenge, with Lowe's studs very high up near the knee of Sands, but it does look like he attempted to pull out of the challenge at the last second, so it's the right decision.

Kickoff: The match is under way in Chicago! This game at Soldier Field is being played on the 16th anniversary of the 2007 Gold Cup final from the same venue, which saw a 2-1 victory for the U.S. over Mexico thanks to a Benny Feilhaber winner.

They are, for the first time, playing in this year's blue kit, which the USWNT will also wear at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

USA vs Jamaica: Pre-match commentary, analysis, stats, and more

5 mins to kick: Aaron Long, who is in the lineup thanks to an injury to Miles Robinson, is wearing a head wrap as the teams walk out to the middle for national anthems. The appearance of Long in the lineup has angered fans who wish to see the likes of Mark McKenzie or Jalen Neal get a chance. McKenzie was a surprise absence from this summer's two international tournaments, while Neal is on the bench.

15 mins to kick: While winning the competition is important for the United States, this Gold Cup is probably more about gauging individual performances. Who will step up and impress, with new/old/incoming head coach Gregg Berhalter in the building and watching the whole way along?

30 mins to kick: Eight of the starting XI for the U.S. tonight are playing for clubs domestically in the United States, while just one (Matt Turner) is playing in Europe. The other two? Alex Zendejas and Alan Sonora both play in Mexico, the first time in six years that the U.S. has started a competitive match with more than one Liga MX player in the lineup.

It's just another sign of how well the U.S. has performed recruiting dual nationals over the past 24 months.

50 mins to kick: The Jamaica lineup is out, and for some reason, Brentford regular Ethan Pinnock is not only not amongst the starters, he's not in the listed squad at all. It's a big miss for Jamaica. Keep Pinnock and his family in your thoughts, as he is not with the team due to a family emergency surrounding the birth of his newborn daughter.

1 hour 5 mins to kick: The U.S. lineup is out, and it's the birthday boy Matt Turner to captain a patchwork team that does not feature the injured Miles Robinson. The central defensive partnership of Aaron Long and Matt Miazga were also the starting duo against Jamaica in the 2019 Gold Cup semifinals, when they helped secure a 3-1 win.

1 hour 15 mins to kick: It's U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner's birthday today, seeing him turn 29 years old. He's likely to start, as he is one of the few on the roster to stick around from Nations League duty.

Turner is here because he hasn't gotten many minutes with Arsenal since joining from New England Revolution. The Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale just signed a new extension, and that could see Turner look to get more minutes somewhere out on loan.

It will be interesting to see how he approaches his situation in London, knowing he could need playing time to hold down his starting spot. Turner has been the clear frontrunner for the USMNT job since rising onto the scene two years ago, but this summer he's only the go-to choice because both Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath are injured. If they recover their fitness, they could both look to push Turner, especially if he is still stuck behind Ramsdale at the Emirates.

1 hour 30 mins to kick: While this Gold Cup roster features a number of domestic-based players, many of the main European-based talent on the U.S. has finished their international duty for the summer, helping hoist the Nations League trophy last weekend.

Many of those players are at the heart of transfer rumors, and they could see their club fortunes shift this summer. Christian Pulisic was linked today with French side Lyon, to go along with his rumored interest from AC Milan and Juventus. Reports in England say Arsenal are shopping Folarin Balogun at around $44.5 million. German publication Bild says Borussia Dortmund are looking to sell Gio Reyna for around $22 million, if they get interest. Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson, and Ricardo Pepi could all be on the move as well.

1 hour 45 mins to kick: Tonight will be the fifth time in the last five Gold Cup tournaments that the United States and Jamaica have met. While the previous four occasions all came in the knockout round (2021 quarterfinals, 2019 semifinals, 2017 final, 2015 semifinals), this will be the first group stage meeting between the two sides since 1993.

2 hours to kickoff: There's not much information on how BJ Callaghan will play this tournament from a lineup perspective. He has options with fringe veterans (Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Aaron Long) and young prospects (Cade Cowell, John Tolkin, Bryan Reynolds).

One thing that could hamper his ability to put a fully first-choice lineup on the field is the fitness of Miles Robinson, who was held out of the Nations League final a week ago with a calf injury. He has been training on his own all week, and while Callaghan called him a game-time decision, it's hard to see him proving fit. Aaron Long will probably step in.

USA vs Jamaica lineups & team news

Matt Turner is on hand to serve as starting goalkeeper, getting the start as one of just five holdovers from the Nations League roster. There are multiple options at full-back, but John Tolkin is the only natural left-back on the roster, so he starts. Miles Robinson was held out of the Nations League final with an injury; he has trained separately from the group, and BJ Callaghan called him a game-time decision. He cannot prove fit and is replaced by Aaron Long.

In midfield, James Sands is a quality No. 6 option, while Alan Sonora joins in midfield. 21-year-old Aidan Morris is also in good form with Columbus Crew and earns a place in the lineup.

In the attack, Cade Cowell was exceptional at the recent U-20 World Cup but will have to wait for his chance at the senior level. Jordan Morris has been dealing with a groin injury, but proves fit for the starting lineup opposite Alex Zendajas.

USA confirmed starting lineup (4-3-3): Matt Turner (GK) — DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Miazga, Aaron Long, John Tolkin — Aidan Morris, James Sands, Alan Sonora — Jordan Morris, Jesus Ferreira, Alex Zendejas.

USA subs (12): Slonina (GK), Johnson (GK), M. Robinson, Reynolds, D. Jones, Neal, Busio, Roldan, Milahilovic, Cowell, Vazquez, Gressel.

The Jamaica roster is punctuated by Premier League strike duo Michail Antonio and Demarai Gray, who have arrived after a full season in the English top flight. Both avoided relegation, with Gray's Everton narrowly avoiding the drop.

In goal, the ever-present Andre Blake will suit up for his 65th international cap. He has been one of the best goalkeepers in Major League Soccer for several years.

Veteran defenders Damion Lowe and Adrian Mariappa are partnered in the middle, but there's a glaring absence of Brentford's Ethan Pinnock in Jamaica's defense, and he doesn't even appear on the bench. It's unclear why Pinnock, who is a regular Premier League starter, does not make the squad list.

Jamaica projected starting lineup (4-4-2): Blake (GK) — Lembiska, Mariappa, Lowe, Bell — Reid,  Latibeaudiere, Lambert, Bailey — Grey, Antonio.

Jamaica subs (12): Coniah Boyce-Clarke (GK), Jahmali White (GK), Bernard, D. Johnson, Burke, Nicholson, Richards, Parris, Lawrence, Brown, Russell.

MORE: Watch Premier League matches live with Fubo in USA

How to watch USA vs Jamaica

  • Date: Saturday, June 24
  • Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: FS1
  • Streaming: Fubo, Fox Sports GO
  • TV channel (Spanish): TUDN, Univision
  • Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, TUDN app, Univision NOW

The entire CONCACAF Gold Cup will be televised in the United States in English by Fox networks, with most matches shown on FS1, including the tournament opener between the U.S. and Jamaica.

A Spanish-language broadcast of the match can be found on TUDN and Univision. Those networks will televise much of the tournament as well.

Those channels are available to stream on Fubo, with a free trial available for new users.

USA vs Jamaica betting odds & lines

The United States is a clear favorite in this match, but maybe not by as great a margin as one might expect. This is likely due to the uncertainty of the talent level on the U.S. roster, with so much turnover from the Nations League triumph.

Meanwhile, Jamaica sport a number of experienced Premier League players, and it will be tough for the U.S. "B team" to secure a dominant win, even if Jamaica are not in good form as a team.

With the U.S. missing all their difference-makers and Jamaica sporting a strong defensive unit, it's possible that both sides could ease into the competition with a draw knowing that they both are likely to reach the knockout stage regardless.

However, the late line movement has been in the direction of the tournament hosts, with U.S. moneyline odds shifting down to -175, with Jamaica's bumped all the way up over 4/1. There's also a shift towards fewer goals, with both teams to score now at even money just hours before kickoff.

MORE: Pre-match betting preview for USA vs. Jamaica, with predictions, best bets, and props

  USA
win
Draw Jamaica
win
Both teams
to score Y / N
Over / Under
2.5 goals
USA
-0.5
JAM
+0.5
BetMGM
(USA)
-175 +280 +450 +100 / -145 -110 / -135 -185 +130
Sports
Interaction

(Canada)
-159 +285 +400 -111 / -139 -103 / -123 -159 +125

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.