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The United States men’s national team will try to complete the sweep of Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals on Monday.
The Americans downed Jamaica 1-0 in Thursday’s first leg behind a fifth-minute goal from Ricardo Pepi.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side needs a result in St. Louis to confirm its spot in next year’s Nations League semifinals.
Date: Monday, November 18
The Americans have two wins and one loss under Pochettino’s direction.
Thursday’s 1-0 win over Jamaica marked the second clean sheet in a victory for the USMNT under the former Tottenham Hotspur boss.
The USMNT defense only allowed two Jamaica shots to go on net in the away contest in Kingston.
The strong defensive play should translate to Monday’s game in St. Louis, where you would assume the Americans would play much better since they are on home soil.
Pochettino’s side created four shots on goal out of 11 attempts in the first home game under the new manager in October against Panama.
Goals from Ricardo Pepi were the common denominator in the attack for both of the victories.
Pepi has another opportunity in front of him on Monday to lead the American attack because of the lack of depth at the position on the November roster. Brandon Vazquez is the only other true striker in the squad.
A third goal in four games would do wonders for Pepi’s stock within the USMNT going into 2025. The Americans are still looking for a top goal scorer to take charge in front of Christian Pulisic and others in midfield.
Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah should be expected in the USMNT XI on Monday. McKennie might have more freedom to go forward to play with Pulisic and Pepi since the game is on home soil.
There could be change at center back since Chris Richards and Miles Robinson sat on Thursday. Tim Ream and Mark McKenzie anchored the back line in Kingston.
Matt Turner got the nod in goal on Thursday, Another start and clean sheet would boost his stock in a crowded battle for the No. 1 goalkeeper position.
A victory on home soil is expected, regardless of who is in the lineup, and that will put the USMNT into the Concacaf Nations League semifinal.
The USMNT is the only winner of the Nations League since it was introduced in 2019. The semifinals and final take place on March 20 and 23 at Sofi Stadium.
Prediction: USMNT 2, Jamaica 0