Ecuador spoils Reggae Boyz party in Copa clash
Ecuador kept its hopes of qualifying for the Copa America quarter-finals alive with a 3-1 win over Jamaica in Las Vegas, a result that left the 'Reggae Boyz' on the brink of elimination.
Ecuador went ahead in the 13th minute via a Jamaica own goal, when Piero Hincapie's cross from the left was deflected off Kasey Palmer's shin into the net.
The South American side doubled the lead via a Kendry Paez penalty kick just before the interval after a handball by Gregory Leigh, before Alan Minda killed off the contest in the 91st minute with a goal from a classic counter-attack.
Jamaica halved the deficit shortly after half-time, scoring its first Copa America goal in eight matches at the tournament after a corner.
Ethan Pinnock's effort was blocked by the Ecuador defence but the rebound fell to Michail Antonio, who rifled the ball into the net.
Jamaica thought it had earned a penalty of its own in the 73rd minute when referee Cristian Garay was sent to the monitor to check for a possible handball by Alan Franco, but the referee decided not to award a spot kick.
Victory gave Ecuador, which was beaten by Venezuela in their Group B opener, its first points of the tournament.
The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarter-finals.
Jamaica lost its opener to Mexico and must now win its final group game against Venezuela to have any hope of advancing.
Jamaica plays Venezuela in Austin, Texas and Mexico face Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona in the final round of Group B matches.