The U.S. men’s national team placed one foot into the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals.
Ricardo Pepi’s first-half goal paired with Matt Turner’s two-save shutout helped Mauricio Pochettino’s squad earn 1-0 first leg quarterfinal victory over Jamaica in Kingston on Thursday. Christian Pulisic set up Pepi for the breakthrough goal after five minutes while the Americans defended valiantly to keep the Reggae Boyz off the scoresheet.
The win marked the USMNT’s first shutout win in Jamaica since 1994.
“The first step is done,” Pochettino said. “I congratulate my players because, in a difficult situation, they competed really well. I am so pleased. Of course, we need to improve in all the areas.”
Pepi made the most of his first USMNT start in 12 months by giving the Americans an early 1-0 lead. Christian Pulisic picked up a pass in midfield before playing a through ball pass upfield for Pepi to drill home.
It marked Pepi’s 12th international goal across all competitions.
Jamaica had a golden opportunity to tie the match in the 14th minute after Matt Turner brought down Shamar Nicholson in the box for a penalty kick. However, Turner dove to his right to punch away Demarai Gray’s effort to keep the Americans in front.
Pochettino was forced to his bench before the 30-minute mark as midfielder Johnny Cardoso was substituted off due to an apparent injury. Cardoso, who entered camp on a strong run of form, will now wait to learn his diagnosis ahead of Monday’s second leg.
Jamaica began to up its offensive pressure as the first half continued, with Kasey Palmer being denied by Turner in the 36th minute.
Renaldo Cephas and Issac Hayden both missed on their second-half opportunities while Nicholson and Mason Holgate had chances blocked by the USMNT. Holgate’s effort was blocked by a racing Yunus Musah, who tracked back and bailed out the USMNT backline.
Jamaica’s comeback chances took a hit before stoppage time as Holgate was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
The USMNT would hang on for a slim road victory, putting one foot into March’s semifinal round. Although Thursday’s performance was anything but dominant from the Americans, Pochettino admitted he was pleased with the road result.
“I think we defend well in the second half,” Pochettino said. “We concede some chances that maybe Jamaica can score, but I think overall I am happy in the way that the team competed. We didn’t concede. Now we need to prepare for the second leg in St. Louis. It’s going to be tough because Jamaica, like today, they show it today that they have very good players.
“It’s easier [to learn] when you win the games,” he added. “You can learn fast, but I think yes, tough game. We need to be pleased and now try to design all the strategy and recovery and be ready for Monday.”
St. Louis’ Energizer Park will play host to Monday’s second leg between the USMNT and the Reggae Boyz.