Ben Olsen scored the equalizer in the 25th minute off a record-setting assist from Landon Donovan and the United States salvaged a 1-1 draw against Jamaica last night, the final game before U.S. manager Bruce Arena chooses his 23-man World Cup roster.
It was Donovan's 23rd career assist, moving him ahead of Cobi Jones for the most in U.S. national team history as the Americans extended its unbeaten record against Jamaica to 17 games.Tony Meola received his 100th cap, the ninth U.S. player to reach the plateau. He was the starting goalkeeper at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, and the No. 3 goalkeeper four years ago. Meola hadn't played for the national team since May 16, 2002.
JAMAICA AHEAD
Jamaica went ahead in the fourth minute on a counter. Jermaine Hue sent a ball behind U.S. defender Frankie Hejduk to Teafore Bennett, who rounded Meola to the left and rolled a ball under him that clipped in off the right post.
Chris Albright had a couple of opportunities to put the Americans ahead, but goal-keeper Donovan Ricketts came through each time with fine saves. Both came off headers following a free-kick by Donovan, with Ricketts narrowly deflecting the ball away from the goal each time.
John O'Brien, who has been hampered by a groin injury, made his first appearance for the national team since August. Arena will announce the U.S. roster May 2.
The United States equalized on a brilliant move from Donovan. After Pat Noonan was fouled, Donovan's quick restart caught the Reggae Boyz unprepared, enabling Ben Olsen to unleash a low left-footed shot.
It ricocheted off the left hand of Ricketts and into the net, sending the capacity crowd of more than 8,000 at the SAS Soccer Park in suburban Raleigh into a frenzy.
Arena will bring his team back next month to train for the World Cup.
LINE-UPS:
Jamaica:- Donovan Ricketts; Claude Davis (Demar Stewart, 29), Garfield Reid, Omar Daley, Damion Stewart; Jason Morrison (Dane Richards, 59), Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Fabian Dawkins, 61), Jermaine Hue, Khari Stephenson (Oneil Thompson, 71); Ryan Johnson (Jermaine Johnson, 71), Teafore Bennett (Newton Sterling, 62).
United States:- Tony Meola; Chris Albright, Eddie Pope, Frankie Hejduk; Steve Ralston (Clint Dempsey, 55), Ben Olsen, Pablo Mastroeni, Landon Donovan, Pat Noonan (John O'Brien, 67); Josh Wolff (Eddie Johnson, 46), Taylor Twellman (Brian Ching, 46).
