2 days Ago
by Larry Henry Jr Albion forward Jeremy Sarmiento helped Ecuador earn their first victory of the 2024 Copa America on Wednesday night. Sarmiento delivered a hard-working shift in Ecuador’s 3-1 group stage win over Jamaica, logging 90 minutes before being substituted off prior to stoppage time. He entered the match fresh off scoring his first Copa America goal in a 2-1 loss to Venezuela.
The 22-year-old watched as a Kasey Palmer own goal put the Ecuadorians in front 1-0 after 13 minutes. Kendry Paez doubled Ecuador’s lead in first-half stoppage time, scoring from the penalty spot after Greg Leigh was guilty of handball in the box. West Ham striker Michail Antonio cut Jamaica’s deficit in half nine minutes into the second half, but Ecuador would have the final say.
Alan Minda finished off Carlos Gruezo’s pass in the 91st minute, capping the final score at 3-1. Sarmiento was lively from his left midfield position, drawing a match-high six fouls and also winning 12 of 14 individual duels. He had two offensive chances blocked by the Jamaica backline, coming close to adding his second goal of the tournament.
After scoring a combined six goals on loan last season at West Bromwich Albion and promoted Ipswich Town, Sarmiento has provided a positive international window to date before returning to Brighton for pre-season later this summer. Ecuador’s final group stage match comes on Sunday, June 30 against Mexico in Glendale, Arizona..
