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Jamaica stuns Mexico to advance to Gold Cup final

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Jamaica is off to the Gold Cup final for the second consecutive tournament after upsetting Mexico with a late goal Sunday to set up a date with the United States.

Kemar Lawrence sent Jamaican supporters at the Rose Bowl into a frenzy when his free kick dipped under the crossbar with less than five minutes remaining.

There was some controversy moments before Lawrence's strike, as Mexico players took issue with perceived time wasting tactics when Jamaica players continuously repositioned the ball.

The precise placement of the ball proved vital, in hindsight, as the New York Red Bulls defender stepped up and delivered an unstoppable shot - one which Mexican goalkeeper Jesus Corona failed to contest after appearing to be under the impression that the ball would sail over the net.

Before Lawrence's goal, Jamaica had Andre Blake to thank for keeping the match close after the 26-year-old net-minder pulled off several stops that could have easily put the Mexicans out in front.

Blake was tested early in the semi-final encounter when he pulled off an incredible double save inside the opening 15 minutes. After somehow stopping a deflected shot with his leg, Blake then jumped back up to turn away a close-range effort.

Related - Watch: Jamaica's Blake produces incredible double save vs. Mexico

With Mexico enjoying a majority of the possession and continuously pressing for a goal, Blake continued to be a thorn in El Tri's side when he produced yet another amazing save to thwart Erick Torres' point-blank header.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Jamaica's chances were few and far between, but the Caribbean nation almost broke the deadlock in the 78th minute with a header that a diving Corona pushed away to safety.

Corona, however, likely couldn't have stopped Lawrence's strike even if he'd tried as Jamaica managed to avenge its Gold Cup final loss to Mexico in 2015.

Jamaica will look to win the tournament for the first time in the country's history on Wednesday and upset the hosts at Levi's Stadium.

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