USMNT Advances To Gold Cup Semi-Final After Jamaica Triumph

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah  – The USMNT has advanced to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup after sealing a late victory against Jamaica on Sunday evening.

It took 83 minutes for the breakthrough to occur, but American winger Matthew Hoppe was the hero when he soared at the back post and connected his head with the ball to bury Jamaica late in the game.

HOPPE GIVES THE @USMNT THE LEAD IN THE 83RD MINUTE! 😱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RTdinsbzGZ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 26, 2021

The assist was credited to Seattle Sounder’s midfielder Christian Roldán who picked Hoppe out at the back post.

Previously, the USMNT found it difficult to create significant goal-scoring opportunities. In the contest, Jamaica was the better team, specifically early, as winger Junior Flemmings found pockets of space down the left-flank. Flemmings, who currently played for USL side Birmingham Legion, was unfortunate not to find the back of the net in the 18th and 38th minutes.

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner made a handful of key saves to deny Jamaica the early lead.

FULL TIME! @MatthewHoppe9's first international goal pushes the #USMNT into the #GoldCup21 Semifinals! 🇺🇸#USAvJAM pic.twitter.com/W16BRASbUo

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) July 26, 2021

As the game progressed, the U.S. settled into the game.

Now, they booked a date with Qatar in the Gold Cup semifinal that will take place on Thursday, July 29th. The winner will prepare to verse Mexico or Canada for Gold Cup supremacy.

Mexico leads all countries with 11 previous Gold Cup victories. The U.S. ranks 2nd with 6 victories, a win against Qatar would further help their quest for a 7th Gold Cup Championship.