USMNT tops Jamaica to give coach Mauricio Pochettino his first competitive win, securing a 1-0 victory on Thursday. The early goal from Ricardo Pepi proved crucial, providing the Americans with a solid advantage as they prepare for the second leg of their two-game, total-goals-wins Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against the Reggae Boyz.
Just minutes into the match, U.S. standout Christian Pulisic delivered a perfectly timed through-pass that found Pepi sprinting behind the Jamaican defense. The striker then executed a flawless finish past goalkeeper Andre Blake, showcasing his skill and precision.
This victory marks only the second time in eight attempts that the USMNT has triumphed in a competitive match on Jamaican soil. With a rematch set for Monday, the stakes are high as both teams vie for a spot in next year’s semifinals.
Here are some key observations from Thursday’s encounter.
Play of the game
Pepi’s goal exemplified his consistent scoring ability, which he has demonstrated over the past two years with both the national team and Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. However, the real highlight was Pulisic’s explosive play, as he maneuvered past two Jamaican defenders to create the opportunity, allowing Pepi to secure the lead for the visitors.
Turning point
The U.S. seemed in control after taking the lead, but that momentum was nearly halted when goalkeeper Matt Turner fouled Jamaican forward Shamar Nicholson less than ten minutes after Pepi’s goal. The referee awarded a penalty, yet Turner redeemed himself with a remarkable one-handed save, maintaining the U.S. advantage. He continued to shine in the second half, making another critical stop on a corner kick.
Key stat
At just 21 years old, Pepi’s goal marked his 12th in 32 appearances for the national team. This achievement places him among an elite group, as he becomes the fourth USMNT player to score that many goals before turning 22, joining the ranks of legends such as Pulisic, Jozy Altidore, and Landon Donovan.
What’s next for Jamaica?
The decisive rematch will take place on Monday at City Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Historically, the Reggae Boyz have posed a challenge for the Americans, but they have struggled on U.S. soil, with only one win in a competitive match, which occurred during the 2015 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal.
What’s next for the USMNT?
Securing a win on the road in Concacaf is no small feat, making Thursday’s result a significant achievement for coach Mauricio Pochettino in his third match at the helm of the U.S. team. A draw on Monday will suffice to advance the three-time defending champions to the Nations League final four, but Pochettino will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of a decisive victory against Jamaica in the second leg.
