The United States Men’s National Team will be playing against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League Quarter-Finals, with the first game being played on Thursday, November 14th, and the second game on Monday, November 18th. It will be the first competitive games in charge for new coach Mauricio Pochettino after the US parted ways with former coach Gregg Berhalter, who was sacked after they were knocked out of the first round of the Copa America.
The first of two games for the U.S. against the Reggae Boyz will be played in Jamaica at Independent Park, otherwise known as The Office. The American record in Jamaica is three wins, six draws, and one loss. Captain for the U.S., Christian Pulisic, had this to say ahead of the games:
“It’s obviously going to be a tough place to go,” he said to the press before they departed for Jamaica. “They are obviously a team with a lot of good athletes, a very physical team and one that I think has improved a lot, as well, in recent years, so quality-wise for sure. So I think it’s a game that you absolutely have to be ready for because it’s going to be a challenge.”
Jamaica’s squad features current and former English Premier League players, including Leon Bailey (Aston Villa), Michail Antonio (West Ham), Mason Holgate (Everton), and Demarai Gray (Everton). Bailey, in particular, is major news for Jamaica as the player had previously been at odds with the federation.
“It’s been a good kind of reset for everyone,” Pulisic said of Pochettino’s arrival. “It’s brought an environment where everyone is a bit on their toes and especially in training sessions and preparation and meetings. I think everyone is that much more focused. You obviously want to make a good first impression.”
Sergino Dest, Giovanni Reyna, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Florian Balogun, Josh Sargent, and Haji Wright are all set to miss this camp due to injuries for the Americans. Winger Timothy Weah will miss the first match vs Jamaica due to a suspension.
The second leg will be played in St. Louis, Missouri next Monday. The winner will advance to the semifinal at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
