Jamaica 0-1 USMNT: Professional performance does the job in Kingston

Christian Pulisic set up Ricardo Pepi for the game’s only goal and the USMNT will leave Jamaica with a 1-0 advantage, as Mauricio Pochettino picked up a victory in his first competitive fixture in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals on Thursday.

[ JAMAICA 0-1 USA: Player ratings ]

The second leg will be played in St. Louis on Monday (8 pm) with a place in the Nations League semifinals in March on the line.

[ WATCH EN ESPANOL: Jamaica vs USMNT full match replay on Peacock Premium ]

Christian Pulisic just keeps getting better

Every last USMNT fan wished for a player of Pulisic’s caliber since the day they became a fan. I did. You did. Pulisic probably even did as a kid. And now we just… have one. Seemingly every aspect of Pulisic’s game has improved across the board since he moved to AC Milan in the summer of 2023. His performances for club have been nothing short of best-in-Europe conversations (7 goals, 4 assists in 15 games this season), and the best part? That red-hot form has carried right on over to the national team (3 goals, 3 assists in 9 games in 2024) where he and Alphonso Davies are the clear 1-2 (or 2-1) in CONCACAF. We should probably watch and relish an American balling out in Serie A the way he is a little more.

… and Antonee Robinson makes it all possible

It is quite clear that Pulisic has been told he can go wherever he wants on the field, because he is That Guy. That’s great, says everyone except the full back on his side of the field, unless that full back is Antonee Robinson and you welcome the challenge of doing two men’s defensive work all by yourself. Talk about another player whose name must be mentioned when discussing the best in the world at his position. By the time Robinson’s USMNT career is done, he will be considered by many the best defender (and best all-around players) in team history. Robinson and Pulisic continuing to play at or near their current levels through to the 2026 World Cup would make the USMNT dark-horse contenders with two players plenty capable of putting the team on their back, working in tandem. Tanner Tessmann did a good job providing defensive cover on the rare instance Robinson was caught out, and he might just be playing his way into a full-time job in midfield.

Jamaica vs USMNT live updates – by Andy Edwards

Jamaica vs USMNT final score: 0-1

Goalscorers: Ricardo Pepi (5′)

RED CARD! Mason Holgate sent off for 2nd yellow card

USMNT make an early sub as Johnny Cardoso comes off holding his hamstring (21′)

A real bummer for Cardoso, who has been sensational for Real Betis for almost a year now and was finally getting a run of games in the USMNT lineup. On the bright side, Malik Tillman is an equally exciting prospect who now has a huge opportunity.

PENALTY SAVED! Matt Turner gives the penalty away but denies Damarai Gray (14′)

GOAL! Jamaica 0-1 USA: Christian Pulisic feeds Ricardo Pepi for a fantastic opener (5′)

What a turn and pass from Pulisic, playing Pepi in behind with only the keeper to beat. It wasn’t the cleanest strike, but it bounced its way in off the inside of the far post. Perhaps the bumpy field in Kingston gave the final assist.

USMNT starting lineup

Turner – Scally, McKenzie, Ream, Robinson – Cardoso, Tessman, McKennie, Musah, Pulisic – Pepi

Jamaica starting lineup

Blake – Leigh, Lembikisa, Lowe, Holgate, Bell – Gray, Latibeaudiere, Palmer, Bailey – Nicholson

How to watch Jamaica vs USMNT live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 8pm ET Thursday
Venue: National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
TV Channel: NBC Universo / Peacock Premium
Streaming: Streaming online via Peacock Premium

Jamaica team news, focus

It’s not all good news for Jamaica, thanks to some good news for Bobby Decordova-Reid’s family as the Leicester City winger will miss this international break as his wife gives birth. Team mainstays Demarai Gray, Andre Blake, and Amari’i Bell are expected to play for McClaren’s men.

USMNT team news, focus

The Yanks have improved in health, but still will be without Tyler Adams, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Sergino Dest, while Josh Sargent joins the trio on the sidelines. Chris Richards and Timothy Weah are back in the fold. See the full roster here.

Jamaica vs USMNT prediction

Teams are bigger than one player, but no one on either side is going as well as Christian Pulisic, while Malik Tillman has also been buzzing with his club. But Andre Blake is certainly the top goalkeeper between the sides. The Yanks will want a win in Jamaica, but would probably accept taking the tie back to the U.S. on level terms. Jamaica 1-1 USMNT.