The USMNT is back in action tonight against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal! The USA and Jamaica have played some very competitive matches in recent times, the most recent meeting in last summer’s Gold Cup where Jamaica was minutes away from beating the USMNT 1-0 before a Brandon Vazquez strike leveled the game in the 88th minute. Now two very different versions of USA and Jamaica will meet for the chance to make the Concacaf Nations League Final.
USMNT vs Jamaica Preview
USA and Jamaica are two of the top teams in Concacaf. The USMNT is looking to make the case that they are the best in the region, while Jamaica is looking to show that they belong to the top teams in the region. The two meet looking very different from the last time they faced off.
In the Concacaf Gold Cup last summer Jamaica had their first-choice XI. They had their stout defense led by Philadelphia Union centerback Damion Lowe, and goalkeeper Andre Blake, and a Premier League attack led by Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey, and Demarai Gray. The USMNT had a “second-choice” squad that was still able to grind out a 1-1 draw against Jamaica.
This time around, Jamaica will be without six influential players, and the USMNT has all of their big-time players back. Will this be something that changes the tide of who will be able to win and advance, or will we see that team spirit outdoes individual talent?
Jamaica shorthanded
Jamaica comes into the Concacaf Nations League semifinal with something to prove. The sense of belonging with the top teams in the region is on the line for the Reggae Boyz. The main problem is, that they are going to be severely shorthanded coming into a game against the two-time defending champions.
The six players that Jamaica is missing for this crucial match may not change the way that they will attack, but it does make that attacking quality lesser. Without Antonio, Bailey, and Gray leading the line, Jamaica may not have the top quality, but the team still has players who believe. One of those players, who Union fans will know well, Cory Burke could be the one to lead their line. His determination could be enough to be a difference-maker in this match.
The team’s belief and structure will have to be relied on if Jamaica wants to advance past the USMNT. The Reggae Boyz are pragmatic. They sit deep and look to hit you on a counter with long balls over the top. Jamaica do not do well when they are drawn out. If they can withstand a USA onslaught, and hit some long balls to chase and create chances, then they may have a chance.
USA poised for a third straight Nations League Final appearance?
The USMNT has what could be their strongest team available for this Concacaf Nations League. The team is poised to make a run to a third-straight Nations League Final. But to do so they will need to be able to break down a compact team. The USMNT attacking quality should be able to break down the 57th-ranked team in the FIFA world rankings.
If the USMNT wants to get ready for this summer’s big tournament, Copa America, while also playing in some rare competitive matches before they auto-qualify for the 2026 World Cup, then they will need to come out flying. Gregg Berhalters team has been decent at this in the past with their skill in the midfield and upfront.
USMNT projected Starting XI:
Turner;
Jedi, Ream, Robinson, Scally;
Musah, McKennie, Reyna;
Pulisic, Balogun, Weah.
The goals will likely come from a combination of individual brilliance and strong team play! Getting Reyna in the midfield could be key to drawing out Jamaica’s defense; it would also allow for Pulisic and Weah to tuck inside while letting Jedi and Scally advance on the flanks. If that can happen the USMNT will create chances to score early on. If they get a goal or two in the first half, then Gregg can throw on Tyler Adams off the bench to hold things down in the second half. The game plan is right there, it will come down to execution!
Prediction: USA 3 – 1 Jamaica
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Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/David Banks
