The breakthrough the #USMNT needed arrives via @JmoSmooth13's right foot!
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) February 4, 2017
Here's how we got our first goal of 2017 . #USAvJAMpic.twitter.com/n3Cn123nOR
The US national team continued to acclimate to the Bruce Arena era, and a goal from Jordan Morris was the difference in a 1-0 friendly win over Jamaica at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Friday.
Arena rang in the changes in the second and final game to conclude the annual January training camp, with every outfield player on the squad at this game and Sunday's 0-0 friendly against Serbia in San Diego playing in at least one of the matches.
Deploying a two-forward formation, the Americans struggled to find clear-cut chances for much of the night, but found the breakthrough in the second half to end the training camp on a good note.
Jamaica almost shocked the Americans against the run of play in the 34th minute on a counterattack, with US goalkeeper Luis Robles parrying a blocked cross off Romario Williams' leg, which ultimately bounced just wide of goal.
Four minutes later, Morris nearly opened the scoring for the US, running onto a flick-on from Juan Agudelo between two defenders, but his shot was saved by Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake.
The US found the breakthrough in the 59th minute, as Morris and Benny Feilhaber played a nifty give-and-go from the midfield into the box, capped off with Morris scoring his second career USMNT goal with an angled shot inside the box.
Following the goal, Jamaica found more of the ball and put the US defense under considerable pressure, but the hosts held firm to take the victory.
Box Score
- 59' -- USA -- Jordan Morris (Benny Feilhaber)
- Full box score
- Stats
Next Up
- USA: World Cup Qualifier - Friday, Mar. 24 vs. Honduras (7:30 pm PT)
