A hot sunny afternoon at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas set the scene for Canada and Jamaica in game two for Group B of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Both Canada and Jamaica desperately needed to win and gain the three points that would separate them from the rest of the group or at least keep pace with El Salvador or Costa Rica who were to play later in the day.
In the end, the result was all too familiar to Canadian soccer fans. Jamaica’s Rudolph Austin scored off a header in the late seconds of extra time, giving the Reggae Boyz a 1-0 win, their first of the tournament.
Canada had started with some flair, looking like the squad that would open the game up, showing a much more spirited and organized attack than against El Salvador in game one. Jamaica pressed on a couple of occasions and got some shots away but Canada had the majority of possession and managed a couple of opportunities on goal in first 12 minutes; one a close header that Kyle Larin directed just over the net and another a beautiful set up on a long ball to Tosaint Ricketts who drove the ball straight into the Jamaican goalkeeper. Having Julian de Guzman in the lineup gave Canada a new presence in the midfield and the majority of their early attack went through him.
The pace of play settled down as the first half wore on. Jamaica began to move the ball well and hold possession more, maintaining presence in the Canadian half. Several set pieces, particularly free kicks allowed Jamaica to send several shots towards target, one of which Giles Barnes headed dangerously just over the top of the goal. Canadian goaltender Kenny Stamatopoulos began to settle into form and was able to communicate with his back line and pick up most up the crosses and shots that came his way.
The second half began pretty much the same as the first ended, with Jamaica getting more chances and building as the game went on. Canada faded offensively and began to absorb the Jamaican attack. Canada’s manager, Benito Floro had substituted Marcus Haber in for Kyle Larin at the beginning of the half but his presence did not change the game in any noticeable way.
In the 64th minute Jamaica brought on Darren Mattocks. He appeared to have an immediate impact as Jamaica began to pick up the pace and create more chances, particularly by finding room on the Canadian left side.
Under pressure, Canada managed to stay fairly calm and composed. David Edgar and Dejan Jakovic did quite well to stay with Jamaican forwards and close down their space, blocking several shots and getting the better in several one on one battles. Floro brought on Russell Teibert and Andre Haineault late in the half. By all indication, it looked as though Floro was playing for the draw.
It was not to be however, as Canada failed to prevent a cross from the left side late in extra time. Austin, along with a number of teammates, was left unguarded and he buried a cross that Stamatopoulos could not get close to.
The loss leaves Canada with only one point, no goals scored thus far, and essentially needing a win against Costa Rica on Tuesday to secure a spot beyond the group stage. A tie may allow for some possibilities but the outcome of El Salvador and Jamaica and the number of goals scored would have bearing.
Canada will need a dramatic change in approach and a return to the more creative style and confidence that has been adopted under Floro prior to the Gold Cup, if they are to have any chance of moving forward. Not only have results been similar to past tournaments, but the return to desperate and stale soccer has not demonstrated the level of progress Floro has worked to build.
Floro may be pressed to utilize his bench a bit more for Tuesday. Defensively, things look solid despite the final goal, but a stagnant midfield and little involvement of Larin and Akindele are issues that need to be remedied. Osorio and Teibert, among others, have seen far too little action. If the Gold Cup is to truly be a tune up for the World Cup qualifiers to come, then experimentation or at least adjustment on some level are warranted. Right now, this team looks all too familiar.
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