Jamaica 0 - 2 USA

The US dominated a Jamaica side that looked less like the team that dominated its group in the opening round of the Gold Cup than like the side that hasn't beaten the US in their last 26 meetings. It could have been 1-0 Jamaica inside 5 minutes when a mix-up in the US defense saw Michael Bradley keep everyone onside, but Shelton somehow skewed his shot over from 8 yards with only Howard to beat, and Jamaica wouldn't get another chance anywhere near that good for the rest of the match.

The big headline in the buildup to the game was the exclusion of Landon Donovan from the American starting lineup. Evidently both he and Clint Dempsey had attended their sisters' weddings, and the conditions resulted in only the latter getting a start. Dempsey showed no signs of fatigue from the flights and was very active throughout the first half. He did, however, demonstrate that his impotence in front of goal wasn't wearing off. The truth of the matter was that it seemed Dempsey was just as effective taking free kicks from 30 yards as heading from 3 or 4, after he somehow managed to head into Rickets from inside the six.

Dempsey's ineffectiveness in front of goal was characteristic of the team as a whole. In many respects, the first half against Jamaica looked very similar to the second half against Guadeloupe; the US created tons of chances without being able to find the back of the net.

That changed early in second half after a cross from Eric Lichaj was cleared right to the feet of Jermaine Jones who lashed a thunderous drive which Rickets most likely would have saved had it not been for the intervention of Jermaine Taylor, who diverted the ball into the back of his own net. The goal was credited to Jones, but it was the deflection that took it in.

The two Jermaines would meet again twenty minutes later when Jones burst through the Jamaica back line and Taylor slid in from behind. Jones fell and replays called into question whether or not there was contact. It appeared as if the heel of Jones hit the underside Taylor's leg, but the contact was minimal at most. Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez Moreno had no choice once he blew for a foul; Taylor had to go.

But as the game wore on, Jones may have been questioning his own decision to go down. Jamaica were gradually getting back into the game, and one goal would have forced overtime. Had Jones stayed on his feet, the most likely outcome would have been a goal.

Fortunately for the Americans, the two brothers of newlyweds would leave their mark on the game and put all doubts to rest in the 80th minute. Donovan was in the middle of a lovely one-two with Juan Agudelo, who had come on for the injured Jozy Altidore early in the first half. Agudelo then played in a beautiful cross for an unmarked Dempsey, who still had to dance around Rickets before prodding home. Dempsey washed his face in celebration, hoping to indicate that he had cleansed himself of the drought of goals brought about by nothing more than his own apathy in front of goal.

Throughout the match, Bradley and Jones covered an enormous amount of ground in midfield. Alejandro Bedoya was dangerous on the wings before being replaced by Donovan. Sacha Kljestan and Bradley showed excellent vision. And Clarence Goodson was a rock at the back, with a number of good clearances and tackles. Jones probably takes man of the match for his role in two of the three most important moments, but it was an excellent display overall by the Americans.

The US now await the winner of the Panama - El Salvador match later today. Check back in after the semifinal for a recap of that game as well.