Copa America in Colombia Is Postponed
The Copa America tournament, soccer’s oldest international championship, was postponed until next year because of security concerns in war-torn host Colombia.
The decision was made Saturday at a 2 1/2-hour meeting of the presidents of South America’s 10 national soccer associations.
Nine countries petitioned to move the tournament, originally scheduled for July 11-29, after guerrillas kidnapped the vice president of Colombia’s soccer federation Monday. Hernan Mejia was released Thursday and attended Saturday’s meeting.
No new dates were announced for the tournament, which will still be staged in Colombia.
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz gained an important road victory to move back into contention for a spot in next year’s World Cup, rallying to defeat Trinidad and Tobago, 2-1, at Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Onandi Lowe tied the score in the 30th minute when he headed in a cross from Fitzroy Simpson and Deon Burton put Jamaica ahead in the 68th when he beat goalkeeper Clayton Ince after a failed offsides trap.
Jamaica (2-2-2), which made its first World Cup appearance in 1998, is fourth in the CONCACAF region, trailing Honduras (2-1-2) on goal difference.
Goals by Shannon MacMillan and Tiffeny Milbrett gave the U.S. women’s national team a 2-2 tie with Canada at Toronto in the first of home-and-home exhibitions timed for both nation’s independence celebrations.
Charmaine Hooper and Christine Sinclair scored for Canada as the home side overcame the loss of captain Amy Walsh to a first-half injury.
It was fourth consecutive match against Canada without a victory for the favored U.S. The teams play again Tuesday in Blaine, Minn.
In MLS games:
Miami 4, Columbus 3--Preki had a goal and three assists as the Fusion extended its unbeaten streak to 11 with a victory over the Crew before 14,856 at Miami.
Playing in the Orange Bowl for the first time in their four-year MLS history, the Fusion (11-1-2) gained control with three goals in a 13-minute span late in the first half.
Chicago 3, New York/New Jersey 1--David Hayes, Jesse Marsch and Dema Kovalenko scored before 15,274 at Chicago as the Fire improved to 5-1-2 at Soldier Field. Zach Thornton’s bid for his sixth shutout of the season was spoiled by the MetroStars’ Billy Walsh in the 83rd minute.
Colorado 1, Washington 1--Abdul Thompson Conteh scored in the 58th minute before 30,271 at Washington to lift D.C. United to a tie with the Rapids. Imad Baba scored for the Rapids.
Kansas City 3, Tampa Bay 0--Francisco Gomez and Chris Brown scored in a five-minute span in the first half as the Wizards snapped a four-match losing streak before 10,529 at Kansas City, Mo.
San Jose at New England, ppd.--The game between the Earthquakes and Revolution at Foxboro, Mass., was postponed after two power outages caused by severe thunderstorms. A makeup date will be announced Monday.
In WUSA games:
Washington 2, Carolina 0--Bai Jie scored a goal and assisted on Monica Gerardo’s goal as the Freedom snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Courage before 30,271 at Washington.
New York 1, San Diego 1--Shannon Boxx scored in the 86th minute to lift the Spirit to a tie with the visiting Power before 4,506 at San Diego. Tammy Pearman scored New York’s goal.
