Halftime Update
Exclusive Halftime Report: U.S., Jamaica Scoreless
The first half didn't provide too many exciting moments in Kansas City with both the U.S. and Jamaica struggling to create any dangerous chances. Forwards from both sides are struggling and Tim Howard and DuWayne Kerr have had little to do.
ASN Slideshow
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The United States looked like a team already qualified for Brazil, and Jamaica looked like a team sitting at the bottom of the Hex standings in a mostly uneventful first half that ended scoreless in Kansas City.
Jurgen Klinsmann deployed what appeared to be a lineup with an eye toward attacking, but surging forward didn't interest the team. It was Jamaica that had the best chance early, with a Brad Evans clearance in the box keeping the ball out of Tim Howard's goal.
The U.S. was able to mount a handful of attacks with debut starter Aron Johannsson finding the ball at his feet in the box twice but each time he failed to keep the shot on target.
It wasn't just the young Kevin Bacon lookalike who struggled with his opportunities. In the 41st minute Landon Donovan had a clear chance thanks to a nice find from Alejandro Bedoya, but the usually sure-footed veteran couldn't control the ball and it rolled harmlessly out for a goal kick. Bedoya created a good chance for himself just before the halftime whistle but was unable to capitalize on getting free.
At least those players had chances. Jozy Altidore was ineffective in the first half, losing several ariel duels and not registering any shots of note
It wasn't just the young Kevin Bacon lookalike who struggled with his opportunities. In the 41st minute Landon Donovan had a clear chance thanks to a nice find from Alejandro Bedoya, but the usually sure-footed veteran couldn't control the ball and it rolled harmlessly out for a goal kick. Bedoya created a good chance for himself just before the halftime whistle
Fortunately for the Americans, Jamaica's attack was equally listless. Coach Winfried Schaefer was often at the edge of his techincal area, clapping and urging the Reggae Boyz on, but other than an ill-gotten free kick from 25 yards out that went wide to Howard's right there was little to challenge Howard.
Both German managers will implore their teams to do more in the second half. That will delight the sell-out crowd at Sporting Park who are hoping the highlight of the match isn't the laser show taking place after.
As always, ASN will have much more after the match.
