(REUTERS) - Brad Evans grabbed an injury time winner for the United States (US) as they beat Jamaica 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier in Kingston on Friday.

Jermain Beckford's 89th minute header looked to have earned Jamaica a point after the US had led through a Jozy Altidore goal on the half hour.

But Michael Bradley slipped the ball inside the area to Evans who, with a surprising amount of space, drove past Jamaican keeper Donovan Ricketts to seal the win.

The victory moves the US to seven points from four games as they bid to earn one of three automatic qualification spots from the six-team Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) final qualifying group.

Juergen Klinsmann's team went close to an opener in the second minute when Bradley struck the post with a drive from 20 yards out.

The US took the lead when Altidore, who had an early effort ruled out for offside, rose to power in a superb cross from winger Graham Zusi.

Nine minutes later, Jamaica almost drew level when Rodolph Austin burst through on to a Ryan Johnson pass but his low shot struck the post.

The US looked in charge but with a minute of normal time remaining Beckford was left unmarked to head home from an Austin cross.

However, there was more drama to come and three minutes later the US restored their advantage to get their first away win in qualifying.

The US host Panama in Seattle on Tuesday and finish their trio of June qualifiers against Honduras in Salt Lake on June 18.