Thursday will see the first semi-final clash of the CONCACAF Nations League. CONCACAF Nations League 2023-24, when the United States hosts Jamaica at AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Although the defending champions suffered a setback in their final match of the tournament against Trinidad and Tobago (2-1), they managed to secure their advancement with a 4-2 aggregate score.
The United States Is Ready to Return to Action
Entering this match, Gregg Berhalter's team faces a challenging phase, having experienced back-to-back losses for the first time during his tenure as coach. Their quarterfinal run against T&T was a roller coaster ride, securing a late victory with three goals in the last eight minutes of the first game.
However, they faltered in the second match, surrendering an early 1-0 lead and conceding multiple goals in a Nations League match for only the second time in history.
This loss marked the first time the U.S. lost in this tournament despite scoring the first goal. They are also in danger of facing three consecutive losses in all competitions for the first time since 2015.
Despite this recent setback, the team has an impressive record in the semifinals of this tournament, never having suffered a loss or conceded a goal in two previous matches.
In addition, they have only been defeated once in their last six semifinal appearances in CONCACAF tournaments, losing in a penalty shootout to Panama during the 2023 Gold Cup.
Their recent encounters with Jamaica have been fruitful, going undefeated in their last six meetings in all competitions. In the group stage of the previous Gold Cup, they showed their resilience by coming from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw against Jamaica.
The possible starting lineup for the U.S. could see Turner in goal, while Scally, Ream, Richards and A. Robinson form the defensive line.
In midfield, McKennie, Musah and Reyna are expected to orchestrate the play, with Weah, Balogun and Pulisic leading the attack.
IT'S MATCH DAY IN TEXAS!
๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ
๐บ๐ธUSA vs Jamaica ๐ฏ๐ฒ
7 PM ET
๐ Arlington, Texas๐บ Paramount +/Univision
Match Preview " https://t.co/tU9EYFgusT pic.twitter.com/Wpy4leSX05
- U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) March 21, 2024
Jamaica Seeks to Surprise
Meanwhile, the Reggae Boyz secured their place in the semifinals by defeating Canada 3-2 in the previous quarterfinal clash, winning on away goals.
Amid desperation, the Reggae Boyz caught fire in the decisive 45 minutes of their quarterfinal second leg clash against Canada, propelling themselves into the Nations League semifinals for the first time.
This was the third occasion on which Heimir Hallgrimsson's side rallied to rescue a result after conceding the opening goal in the 2023-24 Nations League.
Jamaica currently boasts an impeccable away record in this competition, boasting a remarkable winning streak with three or more goals scored in each of their away wins.
Following its comeback victory over Canada, the team has impressively strengthened its defensive solidity, showing its resilience by keeping two clean sheets in friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago this month.
Their win over Canada in the second match not only marked their first win against a North American opponent in this tournament, but also their first win against a North American opponent in general.
All of the above from a friendly clash against the United States in June 2019, where they emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 margin.
Although they have suffered defeats in their last two semifinal meetings in CONCACAF tournaments, it is worth noting that the Reggae Boyz were the last team to overcome the Americans in the semifinals of a CONCACAF tournament in regulation time, earning a memorable 2-1 victory in the 2015 Gold Cup semifinals.
On the other hand, Jamaica's possible starting lineup could feature Blake in goal, backed by Lembikisa, D. Lowe, Bernard and Leigh in defense.
Decordova-Reid, Johnson and Lautibeaudiere could control the midfield, while Cephas would partner with Nicholson and Antonio up front.
