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The United States rode an early goal to a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal in Kingston on Thursday night to give new manager Mauricio Pochettino his first win in a competitive match as coach of the Americans.
Ricardo Pepi opened the scoring early in the first half for the U.S., picking up a through ball from Christian Pulisic and beating Jamaica keeper Andre Blake at his far post.
Matt Turner conceded a penalty kick midway through the opening 45 minutes when he fouled Shamar Nicholson in the area, but the USMNT keeper saved Demarai Gray‘s effort from the spot to preserve his team’s 1-0 lead.
On a down note for the U.S. in the first half, Johnny Cardoso limped off in the 21st minute with Malik Tillman coming on in his place.
Jamaica pushed hard for an equalizer in a ill-tempered second half, but the U.S. defense held firm and will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg in St. Louis on Monday.