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Andre Blake, Damion Lowe help Jamaica seal Copa America, Nations League semifinal berth

November 21, 2023

Nov 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (18) throws the ball into play during the second half against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Blake, Damion Lowe and the rest of the Jamaican men’s national team now have two competitions to look forward to in 2024.

The Reggae Boyz sealed a berth into the 2024 Copa America and 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League semifinals after advancing past Canada in Tuesday’s quarterfinal second leg in Toronto. Jamaica lost the first leg 2-1 in Kingston last week but earned a 3-2 victory at BMO Field on Tuesday to advance 4-4 on the away goal tiebreaker.

Blake made five saves in between the posts for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad while Lowe registered one assist and played 90 minutes in defense.

Alphonso Davies opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Shamar Nicholson’s second-half brace propelled Jamaica into a 2-1 lead. Ismael Kone equalized for Canada in the 69th minute, but Jamaica would have the final say through Bobby Reid’s penalty-kick winner.

USATSI 21950895 scaled e1700622441227 — Nov 21, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Jamaica forward Bobby Reid (10) greets goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) as they celebrate after defeating Canada at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Both Philadelphia Union players were key in the result, helping Jamaica earn a first head-to-head victory over the Canadians since July 2017.

Jamaica joins Panama and the United States in the semifinal round, which will take place in Arlington, Texas next March. Mexico or Honduras will join them after the conclusion of Tuesday’s second leg showdown.

Blake and Lowe now return to the Union squad ahead of Saturday’s Eastern Conference semifinal match at FC Cincinnati.