The Jamaican Men’s National Team, known as the Reggae Boyz, defeated powerhouse Mexico in order to compete against the U.S. for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Led by coach Theodore Whitmore and Union goalie Andre Blake, this team undertook a remarkable journey to that final match.
Key Players:
- Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)
<ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li>Won the Golden Gloves for best goalkeeper of the tournament</li><li>Best XI of the tournament</li><li>Wore the captain’s armband Gave up three goals all tournament</li></ul></li><li><strong>Kemar Lawrence </strong>(New York Red Bulls)
<ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li>Best XI of the tournament</li><li>Scored the game winner in semi-finals</li><li>Started each game and played every minute</li></ul></li><li><strong>Darren Mattocks </strong>(FC Cincinnati)
<ul><li>Played in every match of the tournament</li><li>Recorded two goals and two assists</li></ul></li></ul>
The Road to the Final
The group stage showed the promise of the Jamaican National Team as Group C was arguably the most difficult of the tournament. Jamaica defeated Caribbean rival Curaçao 2-0, however the Reggae Boyz were unable to earn the full three points in the following games against Mexico and El Salvador, where they tied 0-0 and 1-1 respectively. Jamaica made it out of the group stage in second place and advanced to the knockout stage.
The knockout stage pitted the Jamaicans against some considerable obstacles in the shape of Canada, whom they would meet in the quarter-finals, and Mexico, who they faced in the semis. Against Canada, Jamaica capitalized on opportunities early, with two goals before the 50th minute and a strong defensive effort to hold on in the second half. Mexico was a strong challenge for the Reggae Boyz with goalkeeper Andre Blake fending off the favored side’s strong attackers for 90 minutes. A beautiful goal off a free kick from Kemar Lawrence in the 88th minute was enough to send Jamaica to the final to compete against the U.S.
The Final Game
The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final took place in Santa Clara, California on July 26, 2017. Union goalkeeper Andre Blake started in net after stunning Mexico with his play in the semi-final. The big goalie’s day ended early, however, when he was substituted in the 23rd minute with a hand injury. This was a big loss to the Reggae Boyz; Blake had come up big in the previous five games and went on to win the Golden Gloves even though he didn’t comple the final. In addition, former Bethlehem Steel FC -- and current Philadelphia Union -- forward Cory Burke played 164 minutes in five games, including the final, for the Reggae Boyz.
The game was even until American Jozy Altidore scored off a free kick in the 45th minute. Early in the second half, Jamaica’s Je-Vaughn Watson equalized the score with a volley off a corner kick. Chances rained down for each side, but no one was able to take the lead until the Jordan Morris scored in the 88th minute to give the United States the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup win.
Jamaica will return to the Gold Cup on June 17, 2019 for the first game of the group stage against Honduras. A healthy Andre Blake will lead the new 23-man roster, yet to be named, as they chase their first 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup title.
