Associated Press
Sunday, October 12, 2008

Ricardo Fuller scored in the 14th minute to help Jamaica beat Mexico, 1-0, last night, keeping the Reggae Boyz in contention for a spot in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Fuller, who plays for Stoke City in the English Premier League, picked up a pass at midfield and dribbled past two defenders before firing a 20-yeard shot into the roof of the net in the 14th minute.

In a must-win situation, Jamaica dominated throughout before a loyal crowd of more than 20,000 fans. Fuller, Luton Shelton, and Jomal Campbell-Ryce in midfield pushed the pace and forced several Mexican defensive mistakes.

Mexico had its best chance in the 70th minute on a well-executed header by Giovanni dos Santos, but his shot hit the upright and went out of bounds.

Mexico remained at nine points in qualifying, while Jamaica moved to four with the victory. The only other points for the Reggae Boyz came in 1-1 draw against Canada.

Meanwhile, European champion Spain won, 3-0, at Estonia to extend its unbeaten streak to 25 games, and England outplayed Kazakhstan, 5-1, in another World Cup qualifier after being booed off the field at halftime by its fans.

Struggling France rallied from two goals down to tie Romania, 2-2, and preserve Coach Raymond Domenech's job, and Germany edged Russia, 2-1, to stay in first place in its group.

World Cup champion Italy, missing half its injured regulars, played to a 0-0 draw in Bulgaria to remain atop Group 8.

Jimmy Conrad's second-half header gave host Kansas City a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution and kept the Wizards' slim playoff hopes alive.

Kansas City (9-10-9) moved into a fourth-place tie with New York in the Eastern Division.

New England (12-9-7) has already clinched a playoff berth. . . .

Kenny Cooper scored two goals, including the equalizer in stoppage time, to give FC Dallas a 2-2 tie with visiting Toronto FC.

After Marvell Wynne put Toronto (8-12-8) ahead in the 88th minute, Dallas (8-9-11) mounted a frantic last-minute rally that resulted in Cooper being awarded a controversial penalty kick as stoppage time began. Cooper drilled a low shot to the right of diving goalkeeper Greg Sutton. . . .

Justin Braun scored in the seventh minute and visiting Chivas USA beat the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0, to clinch its third straight MLS playoff appearance.

Chivas USA (12-10-6) has won four straight. San Jose is 7-11-9.