Jamaica Has Fast Start in Upset of Guatemala

Jamaica continued the upset theme late Friday night, the Reggae Boyz beating Guatemala, 4-3, despite a hat trick by former Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz.

After South Africa had upended Mexico, Jamaica jumped to a 2-0 lead against Guatemala before the CONCACAF Gold Cup Group C match was six minutes old on goals by Luton Shelton (third minute) and Ricardo Fuller (fifth minute) before what remained of an announced sellout crowd of 27,000 at the Home Depot Center.

Guatemala answered in the 11th minute when Ruiz successfully converted a penalty kick for the Chapines.

But in the first minute of injury time at the end of the first half, Andrew Williams’ penalty kick gave Jamaica a 3-1 lead. Then, two minutes later, Ruiz scored on a header to close the first half.

Jamaica’s fourth goal came in the 56th minute, courtesy of Jermaine Hue. Ruiz’s third goal came in the 87th minute.

Paul Gutierrez

*

*

The Gold Cup matches scheduled for the Orange Bowl have been postponed a day because of the approach of Hurricane Dennis.

Colombia and Honduras, expected to play the second game today, will play the opening match Sunday, followed by Panama and Trinidad and Tobago.

Monday’s Group A games also have been moved to Tuesday.