The USMNT secured a 4-2 victory over Jamaica in the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals, but Mauricio Pochettino was unimpressed with the team’s intensity and mentality in the second half.

The US Men’s National Team took an early and dominant 3-0 lead over Jamaica at CITYPARK. A half-volley from Christian Pulisic, an own goal from Jamaican Di’Shon Bernard and a goal from Ricardo Pepi gave the home team a buffer of three goals on the way to half-time.

The Stars and Stripes took their foot off the gas in the second half, allowing Demarai Gray to find the back of the net twice within fifteen minutes. However, Tim Weah scored an insurance goal for the USMNT, sending the hosts through to the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League.

While the USMNT’s victory never really looked in doubt, Pochettino spoke to the media about the team’s lack of consistency throughout the full 90 minutes.

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“In the second half we didn’t approach the game the way we wanted,” Pochettino said. “The goal was to win the second half, and we didn’t approach it with the same intensity and mentality. It shows that we still have things we need to improve.”

Despite the shortcomings of the second 45 minutes, Pochettino still praised the team’s performance in the first half. “For 45 minutes we played in a way that we want to grow, and it was fantastic for the players.”

The USMNT’s goal against Jamaica marks the first time the Stars and Stripes have found the back of the net four times since October 2023. In 2024, the USMNT went eleven consecutive games without scoring more than two goals in a single game. .

The team may not be exactly where Pochettino wants it to be right now, but the USMNT is showing signs of massive improvement that could take the side to new heights heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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