Pepi delivers USA win at Jamaica in CNL quarterfinals first leg | OneFootball

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The United States claimed a 1-nil victory over Jamaica in the first leg of their quarterfinal’s series in League A of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League on Thursday at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Ricardo Pepi placed the defending Nations League champions in the lead at the 5’ with a strike off the left post. Christian Pulisic provided the assist with a through ball behind the Jamaican defense.

Shamar Nicholson drew a foul in the box from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner in the 12’ to earn a penalty attempt for the hosts. Turner amended his mistake with a save to deny Demarai Gray in the 14’.

Jamaica sought the equalizer in the second half, with attempts from Mason Holgate in the 66’ and Damion Lowe in the 67’ but could not find the back of the net.

The Reggae Boyz closed the match with a man down after Holgate was shown a second yellow card in the 86’. The Jamaican defender will miss the following match due to suspension.

Turner finished the match with a clean sheet and three saves on the night.

The victory gives the United States a 1-nil lead and an away goal, heading into the second leg with Jamaica on Monday in St. Louis, Missouri.