Kemar Lawrence's dramatic goal lifts Jamaica into CONCACAF Gold Cup final vs. USA

Kemar Lawrence scored on a 24-yard free kick in the 88th minute, lifting Jamaica to a 1-0 win over Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

Jamaica moves north to oppose the United States in the title match Wednesday at Santa Clara, Calif. The Reggae Boyz are in the final for the second Gold Cup in a row, having lost 3-1 to Mexico in the 2015 title match. Two years ago, Jamaica beat the USA 2-1 in the semifinals.

On Sunday, Jamaica goalie Andre Blake (five saves) and Mexico goalkeeper Jesus Corona (four saves) were the story until Lawrence's winning strike.

From a central position after a Mexico foul, Lawrence bent the ball over the corner of a four-man wall and into the top left corner of the net.

The Jamaican players barely celebrated the goal, instead focusing on preparing to see out the remaining minutes with the lead, which they did.

It was the first time in the tournament that Mexico trailed.

The result undoubtedly will add pressure on under-fire Mexico coach Juan Carlos Ossorio, who missed the entire Gold Cup while serving a six-match ban for his actions in the FIFA Confederations Cup earlier this month.