The United States defeated Jamaica 1-0 in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, giving Mauricio Pochettino a win in his first competitive match as manager. Ricardo Pepi scored in the fifth minute to give the United States an early lead.
\"The first step is done,\" Pochettino said. \"I congratulate my players because, in a difficult situation, they competed really well. I am so pleased. Of course, we need to improve in all the areas.\"
The two teams will meet again on Monday in St. Louis to determine which one will advance to the CNL semifinals in March.