The United States men’s national team kept up their run of high-scoring performances against Jamaica this afternoon. With a 4-1 win, they’ve now scored at least three goals in four consecutive matches for the first time in program history. On the back of a man of the match performance from midfielder Sebastian Lletget, head coach Gregg Berhalter’s side overcame a somewhat slow start to eventually thump their Concacaf rivals.
Striker Josh Sargent unsurprisingly got the nod up front, with Dortmund’s Gio Reyna and Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic on either side. The combination of Pulisic and Sergiño Dest down the left flank was particularly effective, with the Barcelona full-back cutting inside on his right foot to curl in the opener in stunning fashion.
The Yanks went into the half with a one goal lead, but that quickly increased. Brendan Aaronson, a halftime replacement for Pulisic, added a second just three minutes after the break, finishing at the near post after some excellent hold-up play from Sargent.
Jamaica added a goal in the 70th minute. Following a US set piece, the Reggae Boyz countered quickly before striker Jamal Lowe beat Zach Steffen with a beautiful chipped finish. However, the US quickly restored their two-goal lead through Lletget. The LA Galaxy man got on the end of a low ball from Nicholas Giaocchini, finishing calmly to the near post.
Lletget made it a brace in the 90th minute. Substitute Luca De La Torre made a great run into the penalty area, before his cut back to the top of the box found Lletget for another first time finish.
Despite the slow start, the Yanks eventually found their rhythm, displaying their quality in a relatively easy win. Berhalter and the fans were finally treated to a glimpse of a mostly first-choice group, a welcome sight ahead of a busy summer. The US will take on Northern Ireland on Sunday at 11 AM central on FOX.
Highlights
Man of the match – Sebastian Lletget
The versatile midfielder continues to repay Berhalter’s faith in him, playing in five of the last six US matches, and picking up a brace today. He’s consistently able to get out of tight spaces and beat the opponent’s press, and his late runs into the box are a major piece of the Yanks’ attack. He may not always be in the first-choice XI, but it’s hard to make a case that he shouldn’t be in a 23 man squad for qualifiers or the Nations League. He’s quickly become one of the most reliable players in the pool.
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