Jamaica overcome tough Suriname in opener

ORLANDO, Florida. - Concacaf Gold Cup first-timers Suriname did not make it easy for an experienced Jamaica to take the three points in a 2-0 final in their Group C opener at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Jamaica started the game with a high line of pressure testing Suriname’s defense. The tournament debutants tried to push forward as well, but Jamaica imposed their will and it quickly paid off. 

In the sixth minute, the Reggae Boyz’s well-executed offense created an opportunity that forward Shamar Nicholson did not let go to waste. From the top of the area, Nicholson turned and fired the ball into the back of the net for his third career Gold Cup goal.

Suriname did not take their foot off the pedal though and tried to find the equalizer. Within minutes they had a dangerous ball, but Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake had no trouble stopping it to keep it a 1-0 affair.

After an active first 15 minutes, the game became equal in ball possession, but Jamaica was still in control pushing the ball towards Suriname’s goal.

As the game went on, Jamaica started to dominate and their experience bore out when they scored their second goal of the evening in the 26th minute.

Suriname’s defense was unable to clear a ball and instead it rolled to the top of the area where Bobby Reid had a perfect connection with the ball, striking it straight into net past a helpless Suriname goalkeeper Warner Hahn.

Suriname looked to pull a goal back in the second half, but the second 45 minutes was controlled by Jamaica. The game turned very physical with both teams aiming to get control of the ball, yet the Jamaican defense did well to keep the Suriname attack at bay to secure the three points.