MIAMI -- Cobi Jones, Eric Wynalda and Jovan Kirovski scored goals to lead the United States to a 3-0 victory over Haiti in the opening match of Gold Cup 2000 on Saturday night.
The Americans dominated play, shutting down a Haitian squad that was hoping to ride the emotional support of more than 30,000 fans, a majority of the 50,000-plus Orange Bowl crowd.Jones' goal in the 89th minute from the right wing off a crossing pass sealed the victory for the U.S. team, which finished second in the 1998 Gold Cup.
The Americans led 1-0 at halftime, and Wynalda's successful penalty kick in the 55th minute gave the U.S. squad a two-goal advantage.
The kick was set up when Haitian defender Jean Ronald Dartiguenave fouled forward Claudio Reyna deep inside the penalty box.
Haiti had two shots on goal in the final 10 minutes, but goalkeeper Brad Friedler stopped Golman Pierre's 20-yard shot in the 87th minute, and cut down Roosevelt Desir's angle on his shot from the right wing in the 80th minute.