Soccer: Pochettino-led U.S. men win first competitive match, but seek improvement

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Mauricio Pochettino's first competitive match leading the United States Men's National Team resulted in a narrow victory over Jamaica, but the new manager hopes to improve his players "in all areas."

Pochettino made the comments at a postgame news conference after the 1-0 triumph in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals Thursday at National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

"I congratulate my players because, in a difficult situation, they competed really well," Pochettino told reporters. "We competed really well. I am so pleased.

"Of course, we need to improve in all the areas."

The Jamaicans outshot the Americans 12-6, but placed just two attempts on net, compared to three from the visitors. Pochettino's men held advantages of 60% to 40% in possession and 498-341 in passes.

Midfielder Christian Pulisic slid a pass ahead for striker Ricardo Pepi in the fifth minute, leading to the lone goal. Pepi tapped the ball into the box before ripping a shot off the left post and into the net.

U.S. goalie Matt Turner kept the Jamaicans scoreless by saving a penalty kick from midfielder Demarai Gray in the 14th minute, and the Americans held on to gain the slim road victory.

"I am happy with the way the team competed," Pochettino said. "We didn't concede. Now we need to prepare for the second leg.

"It's going to be tough. Jamaica showed they are a very good team and they have very good players."

The U.S. Soccer Federation officially named Pochettino the new manager of the men's national team in September. The Americans beat Panama in Pochettino's first game as manager, a 2-0 friendly Oct. 12 in Austin, Texas.

Mexico beat Pochettino and the Americans 2-0 in another friendly three days later in Zapopan, Mexico.

The U.S. men will host Jamaica in the second leg of the Nations League quarterfinal at 8 p.m. EST Monday in St. Louis. The winner of the quarterfinal will meet Costa Rica or Panama in the semifinals.

Panama beat Costa Rica 1-0 in the first leg of that quarterfinal Thursday in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The Nations League finale will be March 23 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.