Pro Sports

Jamaica beats Panama 1-0 to advance to Gold Cup semifinals

Posted June 30, 2019 7:00 am

By DAVE ZEITLIN

Jamaica's Darren Mattocks makes a goal on a penalty kick during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Panama, Sunday, June 30, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Darren Mattocks scored on a penalty kick in the 75th minute and Jamaica beat Panama 1-0 on Sunday to advance to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals.

Mattocks converted after Michael Murillo was whistled for a handball in the box in the first game of the doubleheader at Lincoln Financial Field. Mattocks, a forward for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, had entered the game two minutes earlier.

Andre Blake, the Philadelphia Union's All-Star goalkeeper, made two big saves in front of his local fans, including one on Abdiel Arroyo in the 43rd minute en route to the shutout.

Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejia had a good stop on Junior Flemmings in the 58th minute.

Jamaica, a finalist in the 2017 Gold Cup, advanced to play the United States in the semifinals Wednesday night in Nashville, Tennessee. The U.S. beat Curacao 1-0 in the second game.

The Reggae Boyz have made it to the semifinal round in three straight Gold Cups.

Jamaica defender Damion Lowe will miss the semifinal after receiving a 90th-minute yellow card for time-wasting.

Panama's Luis Mejia dives to block a shot during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Jamaica, Sunday, June 30, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) The Associated Press

Jamaica's Shaun Francis, left, and Panama's Abdiel Arroyo chase the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match, Sunday, June 30, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) The Associated Press

Panama's Edgar Barcenas, left, cannot get a shot past Jamaica's Andre Blake during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match, Sunday, June 30, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) The Associated Press

Panama's Gabriel Torres, left, and Jamaica's Damion Lowe battle for the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match, Sunday, June 30, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) The Associated Press

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