International Notebook: Jake Gleeson backstops New Zealand, Alvas Powell & Jamaica into Caribbean Cup final

Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson started for New Zealand in their 1-1 draw against China last Friday. Playing an international friendly in Nanchang, Gleeson and the All Whites went down in the 43rd minute via a volley from Wu Lei. New Zealand fought back though in the 83rd minute with an equalizer from team captain and Leicester City striker Chris Wood.

The All Whites are next in action Tuesday as they play Thailand in Bangkok (3:30am PT) in an international friendly.

Timbers defender Alvas Powell helped Jamaica reach the final of the 2014 Caribbean Cup after the Reggae Boyz defeated Antigua & Barbuda 3-0 on Friday and then dispatched Haiti 2-0 on Sunday. Powell was a key contributor in both matches as the victories propelled Jamaica to the top of Group B and a spot in the tournament final Tuesday against Trinidad & Tobago (5pm PT).

The Reggae Boyz will be in the hunt Tuesday for Jamaica's sixth ever Caribbean Cup championship and their first since 2010. Also of note, the top-of-the-group stage position qualified Jamaica for next summer's 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.   

The USMNT return to action this Tuesday as they play a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin (11:30am PT, ESPN2). Most recently, the U.S. lost 2-1 to Colombia Friday at Craven Cottage in London.