CARSON, Calif. -- Ali Gerba scored in the 75th minute to give Canada a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the opening game of the Gold Cup on Friday night.
Gerba volleyed Mike Klukowski's left-wing cross inside the left post from 7 yards while being marked tightly by Jamaican defender Claude Davis.
Goalkeeper Greg Sutton kept Jamaica scoreless with two saves in a 10-minute span. In the 54th minute, Sutton dived to his right to stop Damion Stewart's 13-yard line drive.
Then in the 64th minute, Sutton blocked Ricardo Fuller's 14-yard shot off a breakaway. Sutton, released recently by Toronto FC of MLS, finished with four saves.
Canada took the lead in Group A thanks to Gerba's fifth Gold Cup goal.
On the winning score, Klukowski dribbled down the left side before sending a perfect pass to Gerba, whose brilliant volley skimmed past keeper Donovan Ricketts.
Jamaica received five yellow cards in the match.
El Salvador surprises Costa Rica 2-1
CARSON, Calif. -- Osael Romero scored two goals, including the winner in the 86th minute, to give El Salvador a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in Group A at the Gold Cup on Friday night.
