HARRISON, New Jersey – Serbia struck for both of its goals in the first half and defeated Jamaica, 2-1, in an international friendly on Monday at Red Bull Arena.
The match was the first of four over the next two weeks for the Jamaicans, who saw their winning streak end at two games.
Dusan Tadic gave the Serbians a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute with a skillful effort and left-back Aleksandar Kolarov doubled the advantage nine minutes later off a characteristic overlap.
The Reggae Boyz halved the deficit in the 53rd minute through half-time substitute Michael Seaton. Kemar Lawrence delivered a picture-perfect cross for the 18-year-old striker to head powerfully into the net.
Impressive play by goalkeeper Andre Blake kept Jamaica in the game and it nearly equalized in the 76th minute, but Simon Dawkins blazed an effort just over the crossbar.
With three minutes left in regulation, Hughan Gray was whistled for a foul against Kolarov just inside the box. The Manchester City star, though, was denied on the kick from the spot as Blake made the acrobatic save.
Next up for Jamaica is a meeting at World Cup-bound Switzerland on May 30 in Lucerne.
