US race with Jamaica’s late goal disqualified in World Cup qualifier draw | 2022 World Cup Qualifiers

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Damion Lowe jumped over Walker Zimmerman in the 84th minute and headed a Leon Bailey corner kick past goalkeeper Zach Stephen. Jamaica fans apparently set out with the goal of moving on. But Costa Rican referee Juan Gabriel Calderon whistled at Lowe to push lightly into Zimmermann’s shoulder, a call that has not often been made against the hosts CONCACAF.

“He blew the siren early and it was a relief,” USA coach Greg Berhalter said.

The Americans began the second half of the World Cup qualifiers with a bumpy 1-1 draw with Jamaica on Tuesday evening. Tim Weah’s goal in the 11th minute after a shot from his weaker left foot was met by Michael Antonio with a stunning shot from 35 yards in the 22nd minute.

“We’re still in good shape,” said United States Captain Tyler Adams. “It will be very important that we continue to win our home games, and get points on the road when we can.”

The result meant the United States relinquished top spot to new group leaders Canada – who beat Mexico 2-1 on kick-off later – before playing their last six qualifying matches.

The United States has 15 points, one point behind Canada and one point from Mexico and Panama, who beat El Salvador 2-1. Costa Rica’s victory over Honduras saw it jump over Jamaica to fifth place with nine points. The top three countries automatically qualify for Qatar 2022.

“Anytime you get a point away from your home country is a good thing in the CONCACAF qualifiers,” Berhalter said. “For men, having their heads low because we wanted more is totally normal.”

Regarding the disallowed goal, Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore didn’t have a good view of the touchline. He said, “I will not complain about the authority.”

The Concacaf team does not use video review in the World Cup Qualifiers.

“Sometimes you don’t get that call,” Zimmerman said. “But I think it was a mistake. I think he hit me before he hit the ball.”

The United States’ passing was not as obvious on the field as it was during the team’s 2-0 win over Mexico last week. Midfield players from Adams, Yunus Musa and Gianluca Pusio, who was playing for Weston McKinney, scored 164 touches, down from 224 touches for the midfield trio in their victory over Mexico.

“It wasn’t a big football match,” Stephen said. “She was more physically fit and who could run longer and keep fighting.”

Weah scored his second international goal after exchanging passes with Ricardo Pepe. Weah continued his run, past Bobby Decordova-Reed and from a very tight angle he passed goalkeeper Andre Blake, off the far post.

“My natural instinct is to cut it up and shoot it and hit it with my right foot,” Weah said. “I got the ball in my left foot and knew I had to take this opportunity.”

With Jamaica playing on the 24th anniversary of clinching their only World Cup appearance, Antonio scored a stunning goal. He won the ball down midfield, took several touches and cuts inside Adams, then passed the ball past Stephen’s outstretched left arm and just under the crossbar to score his second international goal. Of Antonio’s 54 goals for club and country, this was the first from outside the penalty area.

“Without hesitation, he tore one off,” Adams said. “This was definitely one of the best.” Stephen said it “was like a Jabulani ball”, which was criticized by goalkeepers for its rocket launch during the 2010 World Cup.

“I don’t think I had a lot of chances,” Stephen said.

Chris Richards and Zimmerman began playing central defense together for the first time. Cross bouncing off Anthony Robinson’s right shoulder in the 38th but the arm was folded and there was no calling.

Possio had the United States’ best chance in the second half, hitting a long-range shot over the bar in the 52nd minute, and Decordova-Reed past one from close range a minute later. Christian Pulisic, who is still fit, after spraining his left ankle, entered 66th because of a tired Weah.

“We just have to stay positive, keep positive energy in the group and keep coming back,” Weah said. “We got a point from it. We just need to go back to the next match.”

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