Christian Pulisic delivered a standout performance, scoring twice as the United States thrashed Jamaica 4-2 on Monday to secure their spot in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League. The victory gave the U.S. a commanding 5-2 aggregate win, following their 1-0 triumph in the first leg in Kingston. Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, was instrumental in the attacking display at St. Louis' Citypark Stadium, helping to seal the team's progression under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.
Ricardo Pepi, who had scored the only goal in the first leg, added another to his tally in this match, while Juventus winger Tim Weah marked his return with a goal of his own. Weah’s goal came in his first appearance since being sent off during the USA's Copa America defeat to Panama in June. Despite a valiant effort from Jamaica, who saw Saudi Arabia-based Demarai Gray score twice in the second half, the Reggae Boyz were outclassed across all areas of the field.
Pulisic opened the scoring in the 13th minute, meeting a lofted pass from Weston McKennie and calmly finishing past Jamaica's goalkeeper Andre Blake. The U.S. extended their lead in the 33rd minute after a well-executed counter-attack. McKennie’s cross from the right was expertly laid off by Tanner Tessmann, allowing Pulisic to fire a low shot that deflected off Jamaica defender Richard King, sending the ball into the net for 2-0.
Pepi put the tie virtually beyond doubt three minutes before halftime with a low shot that squeezed past Blake after receiving a pass from Antonee Robinson. Jamaica found a brief moment of hope when Gray scored a deft volley to make it 3-1 in the 53rd minute, but Weah’s thunderous volley, assisted by Yunus Musah, restored the U.S. advantage moments later. Gray's second goal, a rebound from a Renaldo Cephas shot, came too late to change the outcome, and the U.S. comfortably sealed their place in the next round.
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