Early mistakes and a Haji Wright masterclass: Looking at USMNT’s last meeting with Jamaica

Joe Scally and Antonee Robinson struggled in defense

The USMNT was widely expected to win this Nations League semifinal, but things got off to a tricky start when left back Greg Leigh gave Jamaica a surprise 1-0 lead in the first minute. Leigh’s header was brilliant—there’s no doubt about it—but it was the product of two serious mistakes from the USMNT’s full backs. Robinson erred first, ceding possession to the Reggae Boyz in a dangerous area after misplaying the ball, but Scally made the biggest mistake of all. He failed to mark Leigh at the far post and gave him plenty of space to knock Jamaica’s cross into the back of the net.

Robinson and Scally are an interesting case. They’re fantastic players when they’re attacking. Both add width and dynamism to the USMNT’s front line when they run down their respective flanks. When asked to defend, though, Robinson and Scally often fail to meet the same standard. They struggled mightily in their last match against Jamaica, and this double header will be an opportunity for Pochettino (and USMNT fans) to see if they’ve learned their lesson.

Gio Reyna made all the difference

Reyna is a controversial player. His unprofessionalism at the 2022 World Cup got him in trouble with then-coach Gregg Berhalter and brought him down in the estimation of many USMNT fans. But there’s no denying that when Reyna’s on, he’s on—and his second-half appearance against Jamaica was the change that tipped the match in the USMNT’s favor. His speed, intelligence and unselfishness in the final third opened up dozens of opportunities for the USMNT’s strikers.

Unfortunately, Reyna suffered a groin injury in training and won’t be available to face Jamaica this week. His role will have to be played by either Yunus Musah, a central midfielder that Pochettino likes sticking on the far flank, or Brendan Aaronson, a quick-footed winger more closely matched to Reyna’s profile. The more those two can mimic Reyna’s movements, the better the USMNT will fare.

Haji Wright showed up in a big way

Reyna’s second-half introduction wasn’t the only positive change for the USMNT: Coventry City striker Haji Wright’s entrance in the 63rd minute made a big difference, too. Wright is a strange and often inscrutable player for the USMNT, one capable of spectacular goals and spectacular misses in equal measure. You never really know what you’re going to get with him, but Wright brought his best in the last meeting with Jamaica. His two late goals sealed the match for the USMNT.

Like Reyna, though, Wright injured himself in the run-up to these matches and won’t be available for selection. That means that Pochettino needs to find someone similar—big, powerful and unafraid—to fill his shoes. 

Monterrey striker Brandon Vazquez feels like a great option. He’s got Wright’s physicality and attitude and should pair well with the USMNT’s trickier wingers like Aaronson and Malik Tillman. Pochettino would do well to give Vazquez a chance.

The USMNT will take on Jamaica on Thursday, Nov. 14 in Kingston. It will host the Reggae Boyz in the return leg on Monday, Nov. 18 in St. Louis.