USMNT player ratings vs Jamaica: Ricardo Pepi goes on offensive, Matt Turner gets defensive as USMNT fight for feisty road win

Matt Turner (8/10):

Gave away a penalty, then swatted it away. That penalty-kick save was a huge moment for a player who certainly could use one given his lack of minutes on the club level. His second-half save on an Olimpico attempt was very good, too.

Antoene Robinson (7/10):

Did his usual thing on that left-hand side. No massive moment but, in a game like this, there really wasn’t one needed.

Tim Ream (6/10):

Struggled with Shamar Nicholson on the penalty sequence. Was largely OK afterwards, but did have a few tough moments against Jamaica’s attack.

Mark McKenzie (6/10):

Needed to do much, much better in the seconds leading up to the penalty and had a nervy moment or two after. Settled in more as the game went on, though.

Joe Scally (6/10):

Had the one bad giveaway in the first half that led to, you guessed it – that penalty, showing how much of a combined effort that mess was. Generally did well against Jamaica’s wingers, which is never easy.

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  Midfield

  Tanner Tessmann (7/10):

  Had some tough moments early, but really grew into the game. Completed nearly all of his passes and generally won his duels in midfield. Job well done.

  Johnny Cardoso (6/10):

  Actually looked good in his 19 minutes. Unfortunately, that was all we saw, as Cardoso had another USMNT chance derailed by injury. It’s unfortunate, too, because it seemed like he was on the way to what could have been a statement performance.

  Weston McKennie (7/10):

  Played much higher up the field than usual and certainly seemed up for it. If anything, there were moments where the game could have opened up if he pushed even further. A good first showing for him under the new coach.

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    Attack

    Christian Pulisic (8/10):

    Another game, another goal contribution. He’s had plenty lately, but don’t let that distract you from how impressive this is. Yes, Pepi did the hard part with the finish, but Pulisic’s pass to spring him was great as well.

    Ricardo Pepi (8/10):

    That’s how you take your chance. On one of his first touches and coming in at a tough angle, Pepi was still able to pick out a corner and score the decisive goal A great finish from a striker who, despite not playing as much as he wants, still has that confidence to score.

    Yunus Musah (6/10):

    Had an absolutely massive block to keep Jamaica off the board in the second half. Didn’t quite have an attacking impact as he started in his third different position in three games, but that defensive sequence alone was enough to call this a solid night.

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    Subs & Manager

    Malik Tillman (7/10):

    Always a tough spot coming in as an early sub. Played a little bit deeper than we’re used to seeing, but generally did well with it as he passed well and had a few decent defensive moments.

    Gianluca Busio (6/10):

    Replaced McKennie, who was on a yellow card. Brought some energy to help wrestle back midfield control from Jamaica.

    Brandon Vazquez (6/10):

    Came on and immediately won a header from a set piece. Did lots of good dirty work, even if he never quite got a clear-cut chance at goal.

    Auston Trusty (N/A):

    Thrown in with just a few minutes left to add another defender to the mix.

    Alejandro Zendejas (N/A):

    A late sub, but definitely brought life. Another good burst of energy, much like in Mexico last month.

    Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):

    Not easy, but it never was going to be. Changed things up with the starting XI in his first competitive match as USMNT coach and had to ride out some storms but the U.S. leave with a hard-fought road win. Can’t ask for much more.