Soccer

• U.S. wins World Cup qualifying match: Herculez Gomez curled in a free kick in the 55th minute for the lone goal as the United States beat Jamaica 1-0 in World Cup qualifying Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio. After hitting the frame three times in a dominant first, the United States went ahead after Clint Dempsey was fouled by Rodolph Austin. Gomez’s drive from 28 yards went over the defensive wall and to the left of a diving Dwayne Miller, who was only able to lightly brush the ball with his fingertips. The United States, which made five changes to its starting lineup from Friday’s 2-1 loss to Jamaica in Kingston, is level with Guatemala on seven points atop Group A of CONCACAF qualifying semifinals. Jamaica also has seven points but trails on goal difference. The top two nations advance to next year’s six-team regional finals, which will produce three qualifiers for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.