The Reggae Boyz will have to wait four more years. Jamaica failed to advance in World Cup Soccer qualifying, tying the United States 1-1 Wednesday. The Reggae Boyz were seeking to return to the World Cup after qualifying in 1998 and falling short in 2002.

The Reggae Boyz needed a win or a tie coupled with a Panama loss or tie to advance, but Panama defeated El Salvador 3-0 in a game played simultaneously in Panama City.

For the Americans, the match was merely a tune-up and a chance to give several young players World Cup-qualifying experience. The Americans won a spot in next year’s six-team regional finals with a 6-0 win over Panama last month. Against Jamaica, Eddie Johnson had the first goal of the game finishing on a lofting pass from Pablo Mastroeni in the 15th minute. Andy Williams tied the score for Jamaica in the 27th minute on a penalty kick.

The Jamaicans played with the ferocity of a team that had everything to lose, winning the ball in the air and challenging the U.S. defense in the second half by pulling all of their players up the field. Most of the Reggae Boyz’ offense went through captain Theodore Whitmore, who fed passes up the sideline.

In the 24th minute, Whitmore sent a pass to Ricardo Gardner on the left side, but Gardner’s cross in front of the goal sailed past three Jamaican players. Wet grass, due to heavy rain all day, contributed to the physical play that dominated throughout. There were 39 fouls in all – 13 for the U.S. and 26 for Jamaica.

Only 9,088 fans braved the nasty weather. It rained until kickoff with temperatures of about 52 degrees. Some Jamaican fans draped their country’s green, gold and black flag over raincoats and parkas. Five American players who had never played in a World Cup qualifier took the field. Ramiro Corrales and Steve Ralston started while Clint Dempsey, Jonathan Spector and Taylor Twellman entered the game in the second half.

The U.S. extended its unbeaten streak to 13 games, the longest in team history. Their only loss in 2004 was to the Netherlands in February.