SAN JOSE, California -- Fourteen years later, the Lowe family finally evened the score with Mexico.
In the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals, Onandi Lowe was a member of the Jamaica squad that suffered a 5-0 loss to the eventual champion. He wasn’t on the field as a result of a red-card suspension, but did score against Guatemala in the previous game.
On Sunday, his son, defender Damion Lowe, helped forge one of the greatest victories in Reggae Boyz history, a 1-0 semifinal win over the Tricolor at the Rose Bowl.
There was no gloating from the 24-year-old, only a feeling of accomplishment.
"It was historic," Lowe told CONCACAF.com. "Mexico is a big-name team. It is a world-known team. Jamaica is just a so-called small island that is just so-called good at soccer and has good athletes.
“We're not a powerhouse. We're trying to make that happen. We're trying to be one of the first names off the tongue when it comes to CONCACAF and world football."
Damion spoke to his father after Jamaica earned a place in the final on Wednesday against the United States at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
"He was very, very happy. He was happy for the team and for me and my accomplishments," the Tampa Bay Rowdies defender said.
This Jamaican side is relatively young (11 of 23 players are 25-years-old or younger) with experienced hands – such as midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson (33) and defender Jermaine Taylor (32) – offering their experience, talent and know-how.
"We're working hard, believing in ourselves," Lowe commented. “On paper, we're not the big-name players. Right now, there is our heart. We put everything on the line. We just give it our all."
Lowe said that Jamaica should not be discounted in the pursuit of its first Gold Cup crown.
"It's football. The ball is round. Anything can happen on any given day," he finished. "We have to continue what we're doing. We're unbeaten in five. We're just going to work as a team, work hard and get the job done."
