Christian Pulisic had two second-half goals as the United States beat Jamaica 3-1 in a Gold Cup semifinal match in Nashville that was halted by a 90-minute weather delay.
The win secures the team’s second straight trip to the tournament final, in which the U.S. will defend its title against archrival Mexico on Sunday at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
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The home side got the perfect start after eight minutes when Weston McKennie stormed into the box to pick up a cut back from Reggie Cannon and sidefoot home from 6 yards out.
The teams were then withdrawn from the field at Nissan Stadium after 15 minutes due to lightning.
The United States was in control when play resumed, and Pulisic made it 2-0 after 52 minutes when he pounced on a loose ball inside the box.
Shamar Nicholson headed Jamaica back into contention in 69 minutes, but Pulisic restored the United States’ two-goal cushion three minutes from time.
U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said his side were not put out of their stride by the weather delay.
“It’s part of soccer and the guys dealt with it in a really good way,” he said. “It gave us time to look at film and give them encouragement … We showed a relentless spirit when we came back out tonight.”
Jamaica’s Blake said his team had given their all.
“The guys did a great job tonight, unfortunately the result didn’t go our way,” he added. “I think this is probably our best game all tournament, that happens sometimes.”
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
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