Jamaica wins Group B; Advances with Costa Rica to Gold Cup Quarterfinal

Jamaica has improbably advanced as first place in a difficult Group B. Their 1-0 defeat of El Salvador gives them a record of 2-0-1 and seven total points. With Costa Rica and Canada playing to a tense 0-0 draw, Costa Rica is granted another quarterfinal berth while ejecting Canada from the tournament. El Salvador, who sits third over Canada via "Goals Scored" tiebreak, can advance tomorrow night if Guatemala fails to earn a result against Cuba.

Houston Dynamo's Jermaine Taylor and goalkeeper Dwayne Miller exited the Jamaica match with injuries against El Salvador, but the Reggae Boyz were still able to earn three points and advance to face Haiti on Saturday. The lone goal Tuesday night was an easy tap-in for winger Garath McCleary after Salvadoran keeper Derby Carrilo deflected a shot into his path on a Jamaican counter attack. There is no official word on Taylor's injury so far.

Costa Rica and Canada played through severe rain to a scoreless draw in Toronto for what served as Canada's first ever Gold Cup home match. Canada had several chances in the second half to make history and nearly did with a disallowed offside goal and a Costa Rican goal line clearance. The Canadians have yet to score a tournament goal in the run of play since the 2009 Gold Cup. The draw ensured their elimination and extended El Salvador a lifeline heading into tomorrow night's final group matches.

Jamaica were clearly the highlight of Group B, delivering a thrilling come-from-behind draw against seeded Costa Rica and a stoppage time winner against Canada. El Salvador's match at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston should stand as one of the best atmospheres all tournament with Houston fans providing one of the most intimidating, loudest arenas. Costa Rica certainly stumbled and few expected that they would emerge from the group stage with three draws to their name. Canada, unfortunately, won't be remembered for more than their open net miss against El Salvador, in all likelihood.

The United States will play their quarterfinal on Saturday against either El Salvador or the third place finisher of Group C (which is likely to be Guatemala), depending on tomorrow night's results. Jamaica and Haiti will also face off on Saturday in their quarterfinal in Baltimore, Maryland. Tonight's results also ensure that Panama advance from their third place position in Group A. They will face the winner of Group C (Trinidad & Tobago or Mexico) while Costa Rica will face the Group C runner-up. Both of those quarterfinals take place Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.