The United States has Brian Ching's cool finishing to thank for escaping from Jamaica with a point in the opening game of the semifinal round of 2006 World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF zone.
Ching, the first Hawaiian to play for the United States, scored in the 89th minute to give the United States a 1-1 tie with Jamaica and keep its record intact of never having lost to the Reggae Boyz.
After a move by DaMarcus Beasley and Cobi Jones down the right side, Jones, making only his second international appearance since the 2002 World Cup, crossed the ball to Landon Donovan, who laid the ball off to Ching, his San Jose Earthquakes teammate. Ching, who entered the game in the second half, calmly touched the ball and blasted in inside the near post, leaving giant Jamaican keeper Donovan Ricketts with no chance.
Ching and Claudio Reyna had both missed with open headers in the box after Jamaica took the lead in the 48th minute on a goal by veteran defender Ian Goodison.
JAMAICA-USA SUMMARY:
Aug. 18 in Kingston
Jamaica 1 USA 1. Goals: Goodison 48; Ching 89.
Jamaica — Ricketts, F.Davis, C.Davis, Goodison, Gardner, Whitmore, Hyde, Williams, Marshall, Ralph, King (Fuller, 67).
USA — Keller, Vanney, Bocanegra, Pope, Hejduk, Beasley, Armas (Lewis, 76), Reyna, Stewart (Jones, 69), McBride (Ching, 60), Donovan.
Referee: William Mattus Vega (Costa Rica).
Att.: 27,000.