Ecuador outclasses Jamaica in Copa Group B play

Ecuador took advantage of gifted goals for a much-needed 3-1 victory over Jamaica in Group B of Copa America in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

A wild own goal by Jamaican midfielder Kasey Palmer in the 13th minute preceded a penalty kick from 17-year-old Kendry Paez in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time to double the lead.

Panama cut the deficit to 2-1 on a historic goal by Michail Antonio in the 54th minute.

He scored with a volley off a loose ball for Panama's first-ever goal in Copa America in its eighth match.

With Panama pressing for the tying goal, Alan Minda scored on a 2-on-1 in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to ensure the victory.

Ecuador (1-1-0, 3 points) is alive to reach the knockout stage after rebounding from a 2-1 loss to Venezuela (1-0-0, 3 points), which plays Mexico (1-0-0, 3 points) later Wednesday. The top two teams qualify for the quarterfinals.

Jamaica is eliminated with a Venezuela win or draw.

In the final group matches Sunday, Jamaica (0-2-0, 0 points) plays Venezuela in Austin, Texas, while Mexico faces Ecuador in Glendale, Ariz.

Panama was denied a chance for the equalizer in the 76th minute following a controversial no-penalty call on a review of a potential handball on Ecuadoran midfielder Alan Franco.

The match's first goal came as Ecuadoran defender Piero Hincapie tried to send a cross from the left corner when an onrushing Palmer got the bottom of his foot on the ball, sending it toward the net with a heavy backspin that left goalkeeper Jahmali Waite flat-footed as it sailed past him into the right netting.

Panama nearly escaped the first half down one but by Greg Leigh was called for a handball after video review and Paez scored from the spot.

--Field Level Media