Gold Cup Final 2017: USA vs. Jamaica Date, Schedule After Semifinal Results

After facing off in the semifinal of the 2015 Gold Cup, the United States and Jamaica will meet again in the final of the 2017 Gold Cup.

Goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey powered a 2-0 victory for the U.S. over Costa Rica Saturday night, while Jamaica got an 88th-minute winner from Kemar Lawrence to defeat Mexico 1-0 Sunday.

As a result, the United States and Jamaica will head to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for Wednesday's final. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on FS1. Fans can also live-stream the game on Fox Soccer Match Pass and Fox Sports GO.

Going simply off the FIFA ranking, Jamaica is a far more preferable opponent for the United States. In the July 6 edition, Mexico was the highest-ranked CONCACAF country (16th), while Jamaica was 76th, two spots ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.

ESPN's Janusz Michallik argued, however, Mexico would've given the U.S. an easier road to its sixth Gold Cup title:

The Reggae Boyz's semifinal victory was a perfect example of why they can be so difficult to beat. They registered five shots on target, equaling Mexico, despite finishing with 32 percent of possession. Jamaica can be lethal on the counterattack when it's afforded the opportunity.

In Andre Blake, Jamaica also has a goalkeeper capable of putting the entire defense on his back to stifle the opposition. He was peerless in the first half against Mexico, with the Philadelphia Union, his club team in MLS, sharing highlights of his best saves:

Jamaica may need a similar performance from Blake in order to beat the United States.

The men's national team got stronger in each of its three group-stage matches before bringing in experienced veterans Dempsey, Altidore, Tim Howard and Michael Bradley as part of manager Bruce Arena's knockout-stage reshuffle to strengthen the roster.

Dempsey, in particular, gives the USMNT a different dimension in the attacking third. He was a 66th-minute substitute against Costa Rica before scoring 16 minutes later. MLSsoccer.com's Matthew Doyle thought the Seattle Sounders star operated as an excellent playmaker in addition to doubling the United States' lead:

Whoever scores first between the United States and Jamaica will likely be the winner.

If the United States takes the lead, then Jamaica will be forced to come out of its defensive shell, leaving the defense more and more exposed as it chases an equalizer. By going ahead, though, the Reggae Boyz would have even more license to drop deeper in their own half to stymie the U.S.

A moment of magic from a player such as Dempsey, Bradley or Darlington Nagbe may be what's needed in order to crack Jamaica's defense, which has conceded two goals for the entire tournament.

With regard to Dempsey specifically, limiting his minutes is the best way to maximize his impact at 34 years old. He can do far more damage in 20 to 30 minutes than he could if he's forced to conserve his stamina over the course of an entire match.

As was the case in the Costa Rica win, bringing on Dempsey in the second half could provide the spark the U.S. needs.