The U.S. Men’s National Team doesn’t have an “official” home venue, but MAPFRE Stadium is arguably the closest thing to it. The U.S. is undefeated in the country’s first soccer-specific stadium, going 7-0-3 all-time and 6-0-2 in World Cup qualifying matches. As we’re counting down the days to the March 29 World Cup qualifier vs. Guatemala in Columbus, we’re taking a look at the USMNT’s seven wins at MAPFRE Stadium. Here's win No 6.
After suffering a surprising 2-1 defeat to Jamaica in Kingston on September 7, 2012, the U.S. Men’s National Team hosted a rematch with the Caribbean side in the Capital City four days later.
The match held at MAPFRE Stadium was crucial for the Yanks, as three points would move them closer to qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side, a roster that included Crew SC defender Michael Parkhurst, shook off the loss and showed its strength from kickoff to the final whistle.
The Stars and Stripes struggled to find the back of the net in the first 45, rattling the woodwork three separate times and causing Jamaican ‘keeper Dwayne Miller to make some acrobatic saves. Team USA pushed and pushed, but could not convert on the opportunities they created.
However, it was only a matter of time before the USMNT would find its stride and the first goal of the match.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute, when striker and Man of the Match Clint Dempsey was fouled and awarded a free kick from around 30 yards out. Herculez Gomez stepped up to the ball and fired a curling shot that was deflected by Miller, but the Jamaican could not keep it from going in.
With almost 24,000 supporters in the stands at MAPFRE Stadium, the USMNT claimed an important three points for qualification with the 1-0 victory. The win was critical for the Red, White and Blue, as they moved into a tie for first place in their group, and never looked back on their way to qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
