Ricardo Pepi's 5th-minute goal secures victory for Pochettino's side over the Reggae Boyz in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Gray missed a penalty, and Holgate was sent off
Demarai Gray after missing the penalty (Photo: JFF)
Steve McClaren's Jamaica was beaten 0-1 by the United States in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals at Kingston's National Stadium on Thursday.
An early goal from Ricardo Pepi in the 5th minute made the difference, with the Reggae Boyz struggling to find an equalizer. Demarai Gray missed a penalty in the 14th minute after U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner brought down Shamar Nicholson in the box following the Jamaican striker’s powerful run through the defense.
Despite pushing forward, several missed chances in the final third proved costly. Although Jamaica showed an improved performance after halftime, they couldn’t break through.
The Reggae Boyz finished with 10 men after Mason Holgate was sent off in the 86th minute for picking up a second yellow card. This marked the first loss for coach Steve McClaren.
Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey made his return to the squad after more than a year and started the match, while new call-up Isaac Hayden debuted in the second half. However, their efforts couldn’t turn the game around.
The National Stadium was packed, with celebrities like Aidonia and Christopher Martin in attendance. The second leg is scheduled for Monday evening at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
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