After a 1-0 win in Kingston, the U.S. cruised to a 4-2 win in St. Louis to book a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals
ST. LOUIS – Monday night's match in St. Louis seemed as if it was the first REAL Mauricio Pochettino game with the USMNT. It was the fourth of his U.S. men's national team tenure, in terms of math, but it felt like the initial moment in which his ideals truly shined through.
Facing off with Jamaica in the second leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, the USMNT's stars were ruthless, just as Pochettino wants them to be. Christian Pulisic scored a brace, and Ricardo Pepi and Tim Weah added goals, leading the U.S. to a comfortable 4-2 win that sealed a 5-2 aggregate triumph.
It was a match in which six USMNT players contributed a goal or an assist, and in which Pochettino's best players put Jamaica to the sword time and time again. It seemed as if every mistake was punished and every attack was dangerous, all match long.
It began early with a stunning 14th-minute Pulisic finish, one of the most difficult of his USMNT career. The second goal came 19 minutes later, as Lady Luck was on the U.S. side as Pulisic banked a shot off a defender and in. There was nothing lucky about Pepi's goal just before the half, though, as he picked a corner to make it 3-0, effectively ending the tie.
Pulisic, who became the fastest USMNT player to 50 goal contributions, said the confidence was high.
"It was an amazing performance," he said. "We came out really hot, obviously. It was nice to get the first goal, and early goal, and we built off that. I thought the first half was really strong … We should definitely feel good after these results. We’re obviously learning a lot of new things. Obviously with a new coach, some things have changed and it connected well today, and hopefully we can just continue to improve."
Jamaica fought back, with Demarai Gray getting two goals of his own in between a fantastic Weah finish, a major moment in his return to the USMNT and first match since his red card the Copa America. After an absolute beatdown of a first half, the Reggae Boyz gave the USMNT a fight in the second, turning Monday's clash into a challenging game by the end.
And Weah, who waited so long for this return, felt the collective effort paid dividends.
"Just a lot of grit, playing together as a family. Giving 100 percent for each other. I think that’s we did today. And we can all be happy and look forward to something special," he said. "Playing in that final, the Nation’s League final, and then kind of building our way up to the World Cup at home. That’s the main goal. We’re on the right track. We just have to keep trusting each other, playing with intention, and do what we do best."
Pochettino will like the way this match played out. He'll like that the second half gave him talking points to dive in on and improvements to make. He'll love that first half, though, one that was a near-perfect display of how he wants this team to play.
It's still early, but Monday night's win was a step forward for the USMNT. They ended 2024 on a high note, effectively and efficiently kickstarting the Pochettino Era. GOAL rates the USMNT's players from CITYPARK.
ImagnGoalkeeper & Defense
Matt Turner (6/10):
Had no real chance to save the first Gray goal but maybe could have pushed the ball elsewhere on the second? Had a few good stops throughout, though.
Antonee Robinson (7/10):
Tucked in a bit more than we're accustomed to seeing, particularly in the first half. Put Jamaica in a few uncomfortable positions and provided the assist on Pepi's goal.
Mark McKenzie (6/10):
A little miscommunication on the Jamaica goal, but that's certainly not all on him. Otherwise, had some really good moments to keep Jamaica quiet.
Tim Ream (7/10):
Was so patient on the ball, which helped the U.S. seize control early. Playing in front of his hometown crowd, Ream really rose to the occasion.
Joe Scally (5/10):
Got turned around a bit on Gray's second and could have better communicated on the first. A bit harsh to pick on him, though, as he did do some good things in possession.
AdvertisementImagnMidfield
Weston McKennie (9/10):
Assisted each of the first two goals, with his first being a legitimate highlight-reel pass. Took control of the midfield, completing nearly all of his passes while driving the U.S. forward throughout as the more free midfield.
Tanner Tessmann (7/10):
Don't overlook his contributions. While everyone around him was picking up goals and assists, Tessmann did so many little things well, from winning the ball back to keeping it in tight situations. They're not the most obvious contributions, but they did set a tone.
ImagnAttack
Christian Pulisic (9/10):
Incredible finish for his first, a lucky one for his second. But both counted. This was a 90-minute showcase of quality from a player that is simply unstoppable right now.
Tim Weah (8/10):
Was seemingly told to stay on the line to stretch the Jamaica defense. The Juventus star hit the post early, but got his goal midway through the second half with a ridiculous finish. Welcome back!
Yunus Musah (7/10):
Quietly pretty damn good on the wing, earning an assist on Weah's goal. Is that his position long-term? Probably not, but Pochettino clearly feels he can get something out of him from that wide spot.
Ricardo Pepi (8/10):
The train keeps steaming ahead. Another goal from Pepi on a day when he could have had one or two more. The PSV forward is a scoring machine right now, which will only make the debates over his role for club and country grow louder.
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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Gianluca Busio (7/10):
Super good passing-wise and had a few good defensive moments. Provided exactly what the U.S. needed at that point in the game.
Brenden Aaronson (7/10):
Tidy on the ball as he drove forward from that No. 10 spot. Kept the ball moving and kept the U.S. dangerous even without Pulisic on the field.
Brandon Vazquez (6/10):
Was inches away from two different opportunities after coming on to replace Pepi. Occupied Jamaica's defenders as the U.S. looked to see out the win.
Cade Cowell (6/10):
Came on and immediately brought some life back into the game as both teams looked ready to cruise to the finish line. Good to get him in against tired legs, but would have been interesting to see what he could do with more time to work.
Alejandro Zendejas (N/A):
Came in with just a few minutes left to see out the game.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
Attacking-wise, this was just about perfect. The tactics were spot on and the players executed them about as well as he could have imagined. There were things to clean up in the second half, though, especially defensively. Still, a great night for the new coach.