Matthew Hoppe’s goal powers to USMNT to CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals in win over Jamaica

ARLINGTON — Matthew Hoppe’s goal in the 83rd minute helped lift the U.S. men’s national team to a 1-0 victory against Jamaica in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.

The late goal marked the first international goal for Hoppe, 20, in just his second career cap.

“He was grinding,” USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said. “It was great to see him score.”

The USMNT now advances to the semifinals to play Qatar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Q2 Stadium in Austin.

Sunday’s quarterfinal marked the fourth consecutive Gold Cup where the U.S. met Jamaica in a knockout round. The pair met in the semifinals in 2015 when Jamaica upset the USMNT 2-1. The Stars and Stripes later defeated the Reggae Boyz when they met again in the 2017 final and 2019 semifinals.

Overall, the USMNT is now 18-3-8 against Jamaica and 6-1-0 in Gold Cup matches versus the Reggae Boyz. They will next face each other in a World Cup qualifier at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium on Oct. 7.

With European stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams resting up, the current USMNT roster is made up of young MLS talent. So far this Gold Cup, the U.S. has four wins and no losses.

“For such a young group, I think the poise was really remarkable in a game like this,” Berhalter said.

Both nations were level at the break. Though the U.S. held possession for 65% of the half, Jamaica created more scoring chances and had five shots on goal compared to three from the U.S.

Berhalter said the team knew it was going to be a challenging game because of how physical Jamaica is.

The Stars and Stripes came out a little more aggressive in the second half in creating more chances. The U.S. scored when midfielder Cristian Roldan crossed one over to Hoppe in the box, who then headed the ball into the left corner.

With over 41,000 fans in attendance for the quarterfinal, chants of “USA. USA. USA” were loud and clear after Hoppe’s goal and as time expired.

Now looking toward the semifinals, Berhalter said Qatar, which he described as dangerous on the counter attack, will be a good test for the team.

Qatar, the defending AFC Asian Cup champions and a guest nation in the 2021 Gold Cup, defeated El Salvador 3-2 in the quarterfinals to secure a spot in the semifinal round against the USMNT. Mexico and Canada will meet in the other semifinal Thursday at NRG Stadium in Houston.

“Qatar is a good team. We think they’re a strong team,” Berhalter said. “It’s an opponent we’re not used to and it’s going to be a great game.”

Photos: All about the fans: Former FC Dallas defender Reggie Cannon gives his shirt to a fan after USMNT's Gold Cup win over Jamaica

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Canada advances: Canada is advancing to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals for the first time since 2007 after defeating Costa Rica 2-0 on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.

Midfielder Junior Hoilett chipped one over the keeper in the 18th minute off an assist from midfielder Stephen Eustáquio to give Canada a 1-0 lead. Eustáquio later sealed the 2-0 win with a goal in the 69th minute.

Before Sunday’s quarterfinal, Costa Rica was undefeated in the Gold Cup.

Canada will face Mexico in the semifinals at 9 p.m. Thursday at NRG Stadium in Houston.

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