Textbook.
That’s the one word that describes Jamaican Richard McCallum’s goalkeeping for the first 68 minutes of his nation’s contest against the United States in Jamaica’s first game of the CONCACAF Under-17 Qualifying Tournament at Saint Louis University’s Hermann Stadium.
McCallum turned away 10 U.S. shots in 68 minutes, saving everything from rising 20-yard blasts to line-drive shots to his sides, forcing him to dive to guard his posts.
McCallum shutout the United States during that time, while his team protected a 1-0 lead.
But in the 69th minute, Jamaica caught an unlucky break and McCallum faced a goalie’s nightmare: a penalty kick. U.S. forward Mike Magee’s shot smacked a Jamaican player in the hand in the penalty box, resulting in the PK. U.S. forward Santino Quaranta converted the kick to the left corner of the net, scoring the U.S.’s first goal of the match to tie the game 1-1.
The United States capitalized on the momentum of the goal and soon tallied another in the 76th minute, giving the United States a 2-1 victory over the Jamaicans, and more importantly, first place in Group A of the CONCACAF region.
“It was a good victory,” said Chad Marshall, who knocked in the game-winning goal. “We had our shots, but the keeper was in the right spot.”
The United States dominated the action throughout the match, using Quaranta’s speed down the left wing and Ed Johnson’s ability to hold the ball and create chances for teammates.
Quaranta was active early, working two pretty give-and-gos in the first nine minutes that almost produced goals. On one, Erwin Diaz’s shot sailed wide, but on the other, McCallum smothered Quaranta’s attempt. He also sent in numerous dangerous crosses.
“We had some rushed chances and took too long on others,” said coach John Ellinger. “We were pushing the envelope to get the first goal.”
But the Jamaicans struck first. Midfielder Maurice Johnson collected the ball off a U.S. turnover and spotted Luton Shelton making a diagonal run toward the left sideline. Luton gathered the pass, turned and bolted up the sideline for a magnificent run.
U.S. defender Chris Lancos nudged Shelton the entire run, but was unable to knock the ball away. Defender Gray Griffin came over to pressure Shelton, but he was able to split the two U.S. defenders and take on goalie Adam Schuerman. Shelton squeezed the ball past Schuerman to put Jamaica on the board.
Facing a 1-0 deficit, the United States constantly attacked in the second half, keeping the Jamaican defense busy. The Jamaicans were able to hold the fort until the handball in the 68th minute. The United States forced the play more after the goal, getting the go-ahead goal off a corner kick in the 76th minute. Craig Copano sent a cross to the far post. Marshall headed the ball to the right netting to clinch the win.
“I felt good about the win,” Ellinger said. “It takes a lot of pressure off us. If you lose your first game, you’re in big trouble.”
The United States’ next game is Friday at 7 p.m. at Hermann Stadium.
