U.S. reaches Gold Cup semifinals
WASHINGTON - Jermaine Jones broke the scoreless tie early in the second time, when the U.S. won 2-0 in Jamaica CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Jones took a shot from outside the penalty area in the 49th minute, defender and Jamaica Jermaine Taylor put his foot, deflecting the ball past goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.
Jones started his international career to play three friendly matches in Germany before the FIFA helped his team move to the United States in 2009.
"It was a sign of respect," said Jones of the celebration.
USA will face Panama, who beat El Salvador after penalty late Sunday in a rematch of the 2-1 win in Panama in Group C in the semifinals on Wednesday in Houston.
Jones was in the middle of several big games, until he left the game 75 minutes to replace Maurice Edu.
Jones appeared to be in position to a goal late in the first half, when Ricketts saved a shot by Juan Agudelo and the rebound skipped directly to Jones, but he could not control the ball. Jones also drew a tackle from Taylor, who has served the Jamaican defender a red card on 67 minutes.