THE United States men (USA) national team will host Jamaica at CityPark in St. Louis on Tuesday for the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal.
The two teams met last Thursday in Kingston, where an early goal from Ricardo Pepi gave the Americans a 1-0 victory and the advantage heading into the second leg.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side aim to retain the Nations League title won in 2023, while Jamaica look to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
The United States dominated this competition at home, winning all three of their knockout matches at CityPark while only cashing out once. They will be confident of securing their place in the final four, having won 8 of their 12 matches all-time in St. Louis.
Jamaica, meanwhile, hopes to overcome the first leg deficit and spring a surprise. That of Steve McClaren The men have proven to be a tough opponent for the Americans in recent meetings, with three of their last four meetings ending in 1-1 draws.
The Reggae Boyz were the last Caribbean nation to defeat the United States at home, winning 1-0 at Audi Field in 2019. They will, however, be without injuries. Bobby Decordova-Reid and the suspended Mason Holgate for the trip to Missouri.
Pochettino is also facing some injury problems, with Johnny Cardoso, Aidan Morris and several key attackers unavailable. But the Americans can still call on the experienced duo of Christian Pulisic And Tim Weahwho will seek to guide his team to victory.
Jamaica were in a similar situation 12 months ago, losing the first leg of their quarter-final against Canada before bouncing back to win the second leg 3-2 and advance. They are hoping for a repeat of that resilience on Tuesday.
The visitors have scored in three of their last four meetings against the United States, but failed to score against Pochettino’s men last time out. A tight, careful affair seems the likeliest outcome, with the home team’s greater depth and tournament pedigree potentially proving the difference.
A place in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals is on the line, and both teams will be desperate to book their place in the last four. The United States will be the favorites to get the job done, but Jamaica showed they can more than match their opponents on the day.
- Score prediction: United States 1-0 Jamaica
