The USA Males’s Nationwide Group will tackle Jamaica in a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal this week. The video games are coach Mauricio Pochettino’s first aggressive matches accountable for the USMNT, as his debut matches towards Panama and Mexico had been each friendlies.
Jamaica is a well-known foe for the USMNT: the groups have confronted off 33 occasions since 1988. They final met in March of 2024, when the USMNT scored some fortuitous late targets to drag off a 3-1 win.
That victory—and the crew’s real wrestle to realize it—sheds some mild on how the USMNT may fare in its upcoming Jamaica double header. Listed here are the important thing takeaways from the final assembly between the groups.
Joe Scally and Antonee Robinson struggled in protection
The USMNT was broadly anticipated to win this Nations League semifinal, however issues received off to a tough begin when left again Greg Leigh gave Jamaica a shock 1-0 lead within the first minute. Leigh’s header was sensible—there is no doubt about it—however it was the product of two critical errors from the USMNT’s full backs. Robinson erred first, ceding possession to the Reggae Boyz in a harmful space after misplaying the ball, however Scally made the most important mistake of all. He did not mark Leigh on the far submit and gave him loads of area to knock Jamaica’s cross into the again of the web.
Robinson and Scally are an attention-grabbing case. They’re implausible gamers once they’re attacking. Each add width and dynamism to the USMNT’s entrance line once they run down their respective flanks. When requested to defend, although, Robinson and Scally typically fail to satisfy the identical customary. They struggled mightily of their final match towards Jamaica, and this double header might be a possibility for Pochettino (and USMNT followers) to see in the event that they’ve discovered their lesson.
Gio Reyna made all of the distinction
Reyna is a controversial participant. His unprofessionalism on the 2022 World Cup received him in hassle with then-coach Gregg Berhalter and introduced him down within the estimation of many USMNT followers. However there is no denying that when Reyna’s on, he is on—and his second-half look towards Jamaica was the change that tipped the match within the USMNT’s favor. His velocity, intelligence and unselfishness within the ultimate third opened up dozens of alternatives for the USMNT’s strikers.
Sadly, Reyna suffered a groin damage in coaching and will not be out there to face Jamaica this week. His position must be performed by both Yunus Musah, a central midfielder that Pochettino likes sticking on the far flank, or Brendan Aaronson, a quick-footed winger extra intently matched to Reyna’s profile. The extra these two can mimic Reyna’s actions, the higher the USMNT will fare.
Haji Wright confirmed up in an enormous method
Reyna’s second-half introduction wasn’t the one optimistic change for the USMNT: Coventry Metropolis striker Haji Wright’s entrance within the 63rd minute made an enormous distinction, too. Wright is a wierd and infrequently inscrutable participant for the USMNT, one able to spectacular targets and spectacular misses in equal measure. You by no means actually know what you are going to get with him, however Wright introduced his finest within the final assembly with Jamaica. His two late targets sealed the match for the USMNT.
Like Reyna, although, Wright injured himself within the run-up to those matches and will not be out there for choice. That signifies that Pochettino wants to seek out somebody comparable—large, highly effective and unafraid—to fill his sneakers.
Monterrey striker Brandon Vazquez appears like an incredible possibility. He is received Wright’s physicality and perspective and will pair properly with the USMNT’s trickier wingers like Aaronson and Malik Tillman. Pochettino would do properly to offer Vazquez an opportunity.
The USMNT will tackle Jamaica on Thursday, Nov. 14 in Kingston. It can host the Reggae Boyz within the return leg on Monday, Nov. 18 in St. Louis.
