- Ecuador got into the win column thanks to a strong performance against Jamaica, while the Reggae Boyz scored their first ever CONMEBOL Copa América™ goal.
- Venezuela and Mexico play later tonight to round out matchday two of Group B.
Highlights
- An incredible Jamaican own goal in the 13’ minute opened the scoring, to give Ecuador the lead.
- Kendry Paez doubled La Tri’s advantage from the penalty spot deep into first half stoppage time. His first Copa América™ goal.
- Jamaica responded in the second half, scoring their first ever goal in the competition through striker Michail Antonio. Ecuador would respond in stoppage time with a third however, to seal the victory.
Match summary
CONMEBOL Copa América fans were treated to a special match on Wednesday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada between Ecuador and Jamaica.
Ahead of the match, La Tri looked to rebound from their opening match loss to Venezuela while Jamaica was keen to build upon their good showing against Mexico in their first match.
It was Ecuador who would be the first to wow the crowd. It seemed Piero Hincapié scored an absolute golazo in the 13’, when he launched a shot from the far left side of the field that found its way into the Jamaican net. It was later deemed to have come off of Jamaican midfielder Kasey Palmer, and thus, an owl goal, but Ecuador didn’t care, they were up 1-0.
Ecuador’s 17-year-old number 10, Kendry Paez then scored his first ever CONMEBOL Copa América™ goal late in first half stoppage time. Stepping up at the penalty spot, the young Ecuadorian bested Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmaile Waite, and doubled his team’s lead.
Then it was Jamaica’s turn to make history. In the 54’, the Reggae Boyz scored their first ever goal in the competition thanks to striker Michail Antonio, who hammered the ball into the Ecuadorian net. From there on, it was game on as Jamaica chased for an equalizer.
The Reggae Boyz fought hard, starting to get more possession and creating more chances. However, it would be Ecuador who would find the final goal. On the counter in stoppage time, a rapid Alan Minda flew down the field and took the shot himself, sealing La Tri’s 3-1 win in Las Vegas.
What’s next?
La Tri's final match of Group B will be against Mexico on June 30 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona while Jamaica will battle Venezuela in their last Group Stage match at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on the same day.
Lineups:
Ecuador: Domínguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapié; Caicedo, Franco, Yeboah; Páez, Sarmiento; Rodriguez Used substitutes: Minda, Caicedo, Gruezo, Corozo Cards: Coach: Felix Sanchez
Venezuela: Waite; Pinnock, Latibeaudiere, Bernard; Leigh, Palmer, Lowe, Lembikisa; Reid, Nicholson; Antonio Used substitutes: Gray, Hector, Dixon, Anderson, Cephas Cards: Lowe (Yellow), Hector (Yellow), Latibeaudiere (Yellow), Anderson (Yellow) Coach: Heimer Hallgrimsson
Goals: 13’, Kasey Palmer Own Goal (E), 45’+5’, Kendry Paez (E), 54’ Michail Antonio (J), 90+1', Alan Minda (E) Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: Moises Caicedo
Referee: Cristian Garay (Chile) Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
