CARY, N.C. — Tony Meola's 100th international appearance didn't go quite as he hoped — but at least he didn't get a loss.
Ben Olsen scored the tying goal in the 25th minute off a record-setting assist from Landon Donovan and the United States salvaged a 1-1 tie against Jamaica on Tuesday night in the final exhibition game before coach Bruce Arena chooses his 23-man World Cup roster.
It was Donovan's 23rd career assist, moving him ahead of Cobi Jones for the most in national team history as the Americans avoided losing for the first time in 17 games against Jamaica (9-0-8).
Before the kickoff, Meola was honored as the ninth U.S. player to reach 100 caps — soccer's term for international appearances. He was the starting goalkeeper at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, and the No. 3 goalkeeper four years ago.
Meola hadn't played for the national team since May 16, 2002, and his addition to the roster was seen largely as a symbolic gesture by Arena. Barely four minutes into the game, it appeared Meola might be in for a long night when Jamaica took a 1-0 lead.
Chris Albright had a couple of opportunities to put the Americans ahead, but goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts came through each time with fine saves. Both came off headers following a free kick by Donovan, with Ricketts narrowly deflecting the ball away from the goal each time.
Albright certainly needed to play well, as he likely is one of the players hoping for a spot on the World Cup roster. The others who appear questionable are Olsen, Steve Ralston, Eddie Johnson, Pat Noonan, Josh Wolff, Brian Ching and John O'Brien.
O'Brien, who has been hampered by a groin injury, made his first appearance for the national team since August. Arena will announce the U.S. roster May 2, and it will be finalized May 15.
He couldn't get to the ball quickly enough, and Bennett used his left foot to put it in for the early goal.
The United States came back to tie it on a brilliant move from Donovan. After Noonan was fouled, Donovan wisely took the free kick before the Reggae Boyz were ready. He sent the ball to Olsen, who carried it in alone before taking a shot.
It ricocheted off the left hand of Ricketts and into the net, sending the capacity crowd of more than 8,000 at the SAS Soccer Park in suburban Raleigh into a frenzy. Arena will bring his team back next month to train for the World Cup.