It wasn’t flashy, but the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) delivered when it counted, securing a 1-0 win against Jamaica in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal on Thursday. Ricardo Pepi found the net just five minutes into the match, finishing a precise assist from Christian Pulisic, while goalkeeper Matt Turner preserved the lead with a critical penalty save against Demarai Gray in the 14th minute.
Jamaica, who took 12 shots but only managed two on target, will be without defender Mason Holgate for the second leg in St. Louis on Monday after his second-half red card. Despite missing several key players, including Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent, Tyler Adams, and Gio Reyna, the U.S. relied on disciplined defense and Turner’s heroics to gain a narrow advantage.
After a rocky stretch in recent matches, including a disappointing Copa America showing, the early goal from Pepi calmed pre-match nerves. However, the USMNT wasn’t without setbacks, as Johnny Cardoso left the match with a hamstring injury. Fortunately, depth in midfield and the return of Tim Weah from suspension will allow Yunus Musah to reclaim his natural midfield position, enhancing team balance.
The Reggae Boyz will lean on the creativity of Leon Bailey, who created two chances and took two shots, but their uphill battle becomes steeper without Holgate. Meanwhile, the U.S. will look to build on this result, aiming to secure a spot in the semifinals and move closer to a fourth consecutive Nations League title.
For now, survival and progression trump style, and the USMNT showed they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
