CONCACAF Gold Cup:United States, Jamaica cruise on

Jesus Ferreira struck a hat-trick as the United States crushed St. Kitts and Nevis 6-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday, while Group A rivals, Jamaica, beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 with Demara­iGray scoring twice.

The Caribbean island, playing in the North, Central America and Caribbean tournament for the first time, saw hopes of frus­trating the Americans quickly vanish as they fell to 3-0 inside 16 minutes.

Midfielder Djordje Mihai­lovic began the rout in the 12th minute when he slotted home after a smart pull-back from Gianluca Busio.

A screamer from Bryan Reynolds made it 2-0, the right-back unleashing a fierce drive from 20 yards out after pound­ing on a clearance.

Ferreira opened his ac­count two minutes later, bursting through the middle and then angling a low shot into the far corner.

It was one-way traffic but amid the onslaught, Tyquan Terrell went close to pulling one back for St. Kitts with a volley that flew just over the bar.

St. Kitts keeper, Julani Archibald, had been helpless for all three goals but showed his ability when he tipped over a powerful blast from Fer­reira.

But Archibald was beaten again in the 25th minute when Ferreira beat the offside trap to collect a through ball from Mihailovic and then slipped the ball through the keeper’s legs to make it four.

Ferreira completed his hat-trick, with Mihailovic the provider again slipping the ball inside to the Colombia-born striker whose quick feet created space for a clinical finish.

Mihailovic claimed his second and the USA’s sixth side-footing home with the visit­ing defence at sea.

The Americans are level on four points at the top of the group after drawing their opening game with Jamaica, who dominated against their old rivals, Trinidad and Tobago.

The all-Premier League strike trio of West Ham’s Michail Antonio, Aston Villa winger, Leon Bailey and Everton’s Gray proved too much for a Trinidad side that looked well off the pace.

The win was the first for Jamaica under Icelandic coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson – his ninth game in charge – and leaves Jamaica second in Group A level on four points with the top-placed, USA.

—AFP