Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals: USA and Panama Secure First-Leg Wins

USA Edges Jamaica 1-0 in First Leg

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The United States edged Jamaica 1-0 in the first leg of their League A quarterfinal matchup in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League on Thursday at Kingston’s National Stadium.

Ricardo Pepi put the reigning Nations League champions ahead five minutes into the contest, slotting home a precise finish off the left post after a perfectly weighted through ball from Christian Pulisic.

Jamaica had a golden opportunity to level the score in the 12th minute when Shamar Nicholson drew a foul in the box from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner, earning the hosts a penalty.

However, Turner redeemed himself with a crucial save, denying Demarai Gray’s spot-kick attempt in the 14th minute.

The Reggae Boyz pressed hard for an equalizer in the second half, with notable chances from Mason Holgate in the 66th minute and Damion Lowe just a minute later, but they failed to capitalize.

Their hopes dimmed further in the 86th minute when Holgate was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, ruling him out of the second leg.

With the victory, the U.S. takes a slim 1-0 lead into Monday’s decisive second leg in St. Louis, Missouri.

Panama Earns Hard-Fought 1-0 Victory Over Costa Rica

In the other quarterfinal first-leg matchup, Panama earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Costa Rica at Estadio Nacional in San José.

Alberto Fajardo scored the game’s only goal in the 66th minute, confidently converting a penalty kick to give the visitors the edge heading into the return leg.

Conclusion

The United States and Panama have secured crucial first-leg victories in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, setting themselves up for a strong chance of advancing to the semifinals. The U.S. will look to build on their slim 1-0 lead against Jamaica, while Panama will aim to protect their 1-0 advantage against Costa Rica in the second leg.

FAQs

* Who won the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals?
+ The United States and Panama both won their respective matches, with the U.S. edging Jamaica 1-0 and Panama earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Costa Rica.
* What is the score heading into the second leg of the quarterfinals?
+ The U.S. leads Jamaica 1-0, while Panama holds a 1-0 advantage over Costa Rica.
* When is the second leg of the quarterfinals taking place?
+ The second leg of the quarterfinals will take place on Monday, with the U.S. hosting Jamaica in St. Louis, Missouri, and Panama hosting Costa Rica in San José.