USMNT disappointed by Jamaica's 1-0 loss to Jamaica

UNITED STATES Preparations for the National Team Gold Cup took a disappointing turn Wednesday night after its 1-0 loss to Jamaica at Audi Field in Washington, DC The deeds are happening in the sport, but for the new manager, Gregg Berhalter, the defeat must be alarming. far below its potential.

The players missed both passion and cohesion for 90 minutes. Nobody in particular seemed comfortable with the system and training. It may be far from the best team that the United States can play for the Gold Cup, but playing under the sum of its roles is never a good sign.

Berhalter started the game with a different formation consisting of three central defenders, two backs, four midfielders and Josh Sargent as the only forward. After a relatively solid first start, Jamaica quickly made it into the game with the best chances and more possession of the ball.

In the 60th minute, Jamaica took advantage on a magnificent goal from Shamar Nicholson. The long-range shot was made possible by Wil Trapp's inability to close defensively on Nicholson, who created the space for a 25-yard strike from Zack Steffen.

What's a hit! ????????????????

The first international goal of Shamar Nicholson is a SCREAMER to allow Jamaica to impose 1-0 on the USMNT. #USAvJAM pic.twitter.com/A321agevh9

– FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 6, 2019

The United States has a little more offended their substitutes. Duane Holmes, in particular, was effective in his international debut. The offensive midfielder from Derby County has been helpful for his ability to recover the ball and move it forward quickly. Jonathan Amon also had some good offensive moments but was not much better than his teammates to help recover the ball.

In the end, the whistle blew and the US team disappointingly began its important month ahead. Next step will be his second and final preparation before the gold cup against Venezuela.

Berhalter will submit the final US team roster to the Gold Cup by midnight and it is unlikely that many of the players who played today helped their cause if they were on the bubble.

Here are some thoughts

Lack of defense hurts everything

One of the main reasons the United States was so poor that night was its inability to win the ball once the possession of the ball was lost. Nobody played with a defensive bite and, as a result, often had to chase Jamaican players all around the field.

That's exactly the opposite of the way Berhalter repeatedly said he wanted the team to play: a disruptive force that can attack turnovers and generate chances. Nobody did that in this game. At one point in the second half, Jamaica made more than 20 consecutive passes without too much pressure.

Poor ball movement

Whenever the American team was able to recover the ball, it remained completely immobile in the middle of the field. Off-ball movements were mediocre and the lines of attack were very narrow.

Winger Paul Arriola and Antonee Robinson were not great, but they were asked to do too much because Roldan and Mihailovic did not move very well. With only a few players on the track and trying to get into dangerous areas, Jamaican defenders are not exhausted. Focusing on Robinson, Arriola and Sargent was a pretty easy task.

A lack of passion

Yes, it was just a friendly match, but the American team played with so little passion and heart in this match. It must have been disappointing for the American fans, as this team has not managed to get excited since the semi-final of the 2016 Copa America. The team has not played a significant unfriendly match for 20 months. The end of the Klinsmann era was a disaster and the Bruce Arena failed to straighten the ship. Dave Sarachan did not have an easy hand and was not able to give directions.

The program was dragged through the mud for so long, the fans were hoping for passion and, again, did not understand it.

Holmes was helpful

Duane Holmes had a good start. He was one of the few Americans to have had a positive impact in the game. He had good clean keys and crisp passes, but his biggest impact was that he was able to recover the ball from Jamaica every time he had the ball near him. Holmes played the game in the manner of Berhalter.

If Holmes was on the bubble and this game was a sincere audition, he was successful. It is hard to imagine that anyone else has done it.