Ricardo Pepi’s fifth-minute goal earned a 1-0 win for the United States over Jamaica in the first of leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final.
The victory against Steve McClaren’s side marked the Stars and Stripes’ second win under new manager Mauricio Pochettino and first in a competitive match since the Argentine took over in September.
“The first step is done,” Pochettino said. “I congratulate my players because, in a difficult situation, they competed really well. I am so pleased. Of course, we need to improve in all the areas.”
The two sides will face off again on Monday in St Louis to determine who advances to the semi-finals in March.
Pepi gave the US the perfect start in Kingston, latching onto a Christian Pulisic through ball before finding the off the post, with the skipper and Antonee Robinson both then going close to doubling their advantage early on.
Mat Turner then went from zero to hero after giving away a penalty before producing a brilliant save to deny Demarai Gray from the resulting spot-kick.
Some more last-ditch defending saved the Americans in the second half as Yunus Musah got back on the goal-line to prevent Mason Holgate from tapping into an empty net, with centre-backs Mark McKenzie and Tim Ream also delivering some important contributions.
And while Pochettino was pleased with the victory, he stressed the importance of improving ahead of the return leg in Missouri.
“I think we defend well in the second half,” Pochettino said. “We concede some chances that maybe Jamaica can score, but I think overall I am happy in the way that the team competed.
“We didn’t concede. Now we need to prepare for the second leg in St. Louis. It’s going to be tough because Jamaica, like today, they show it today that they have very good players.”
Pochettino added that his team will need to learn some lessons from the match.
“It’s easier [to learn] when you win the games,” he said. “You can learn fast, but I think yes, tough game. We need to be pleased and now try to design all the strategy and recovery and be ready for Monday.”
