On Thursday night, the United States defeated Jamaica 1-0 at The Independence Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
The game got off to a blistering start, with U.S. player Ricardo Pepi scoring in the 5th minute of the game from an exquisite Christian Pulisic pass. Just a few minutes later, American Goalkeeper Matt Turner conceded a penalty after he brought down Jamaican attacker Shamar Nicholson in the box. However, he spared his blushes after he brilliantly saved the resulting penalty from Demarai Gray.
The 2nd half was a boring affair, with neither side creating any major chances and Jamaica being stifled for most of the game. The Reggae Boyz misery was compounded when center-back Mason Holgate was shown a red card in the 80th minute after bringing down Brandon Vasquez, which means the defender will be suspended for the 2nd leg.
The 2nd leg of the tie is set to be played in St. Louis, Missouri on November 18th.
Despite the uneventful match, the victory is a major one for the Americans, as they have historically struggled in Jamaica and only managed 3 wins in 10 games in Kingston.
“The team showed up. We knew the game would be difficult. Now it’s time to go take care of it at home,” said goal scorer Ricardo Pepi.
U.S. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the players but admitted there was still a lot of work to be done:
“The first step is done. I want to congratulate my players because in a difficult situation, they competed really well. We competed well. I am so pleased. But of course, we need to improve in all areas. That is logic, because it’s only been one month we’ve been working [together]. This is only our second camp. Concacaf is not an easy competition, but we learn. We need to learn and today is another step, like the game in Mexico.”
The U.S. will have to play the 2nd leg with yet another blow to their squad depth. In the middle of the first half, American midfielder Johnny Cordoso came off with an injury. It is another name in the ever-expanding list of injuries for the U.S., which includes Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, Josh Sargent, and Aidan Morris. Timothy Weah will be available for the 2nd leg as he was excluded due to suspension.
