Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Jamaica upsets Mexico

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Ricardo Fuller scored in the 14th minute to help Jamaica beat Mexico 1-0 on Saturday night, keeping the Reggae Boyz in contention for a spot in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Fuller, who plays for Stoke City in the English Premier League, picked up a pass at midfield and dribbled past two defenders before firing a 20-yeard shot into the roof of the net in the 14th minute.

In a must-win situation, Jamaica dominated throughout before a loyal crowd of more than 20,000 fans. Fuller, Luton Shelton, and Jomal Campbell-Ryce in midfield pushed the pace and forced several Mexican defensive mistakes.

Mexico had its best chance in the 70th minute on a well-executed header by Giovanni dos Santos, but his shot hit the upright and went out of bounds.

Mexico remained at nine points in qualifying, while Jamaica moved to four with the victory. The only other points for the Reggae Boyz came in 1-1 draw against Canada.