Kasey Keller expressed his enthusiasm following the United States Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) first competitive victory under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, as they secured a 1-0 win against Jamaica in the opening leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal on Thursday night in Kingston.
The match saw Ricardo Pepi score early in the fifth minute with an assist from Christian Pulisic, marking Pepi’s 12th international goal in 32 appearances. Matt Turner made a crucial contribution by saving a penalty kick from Demarai Gray, maintaining the U.S. lead. The game was not without tension, as Jamaica finished the match with 10 players after Mason Holgate received a second yellow card late in the game.
Looking ahead, the second leg of this two-match series will take place on Monday in St. Louis. The team that emerges victorious will advance to the semifinal stage scheduled for March 20 in Inglewood, California. The United States is a strong contender, having won the first three editions of this tournament.
Pulisic’s milestone was notable as he achieved his 75th cap, becoming the 33rd player to reach this mark for the U.S. team. Meanwhile, Pepi joined the ranks of American players who have scored 12 goals before the age of 22, alongside legends like Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore.
Pochettino made significant changes to the lineup from the previous match against Mexico, with players like Weston McKennie and Tanner Tessmann making their mark. Despite facing injuries and suspensions — including the absence of Tim Weah and Aidan Morris — the team demonstrated resilience and strategic effectiveness.
The positive takeaway from this match serves as a promising start under Pochettino’s guidance. The victory not only boosts team morale but also sets a strong foundation for the upcoming matches as they strive for further success in the tournament. The upcoming leg in St. Louis presents an exciting opportunity for USMNT fans to rally behind their team as they aim for a place in the semifinals.