CNN
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The United States Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) booked its place in the semifinals of next year’s CONCACAF Nations League with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Jamaica in St. Louis, Missouri, on Monday evening.

The victory secured a 5-2 aggregate victory over the Reggaeboyz after a hard-fought first leg in Jamaica ended 1-0 against the US last week.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side took a 3-0 lead in the first half thanks to Christian Pulisic’s brace and Ricardo Pepi’s low goal from outside the box.

Demarai Gray pulled a goal back for Jamaica early in the second half, before Timothy Weah extended the American lead to three just minutes later.

Gray took his and Jamaica’s second place with just over 20 minutes to go, but that wasn’t enough to spark a comeback as the USMNT’s victory also confirmed its spot in next year’s Gold Cup, North America’s premier international tournament.

“We came out really well,” Pulisic told ESPN after the match. “We should definitely feel good after these results. We are obviously learning a lot of new things with the new coach.”

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has been in charge for two months now, was delighted with his side’s performance in the first half.

“I am so happy,” Pochettino told ESPN. “The first 45 minutes is how we want to grow, build our journey together and I think it was fantastic to see the players perform.

“In a short period of time, and with not too (much) time to work, I think in the way they adapt and receive all the concepts and in the way we try to play they show that we have incredible players with the ability to understand quickly, learn quickly and that is because (thanks to) our talented players.”

Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Pochettino was hired to take the US men’s national team forward ahead of a home World Cup in 2026.

The Americans suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to bitter rivals Mexico in the last international break, but Pochettino said he is “so happy” with the way his players have become “one team” in the two months he was in charge .

“We must be desperate to reach March and all be together,” he added. “That’s a sign that we’re improving a lot and then we start to feel like we’re a real group of people, that we’re going to fight for something special.”