Jamaica crashed to a 0-1 defeat to the United States of America in the first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final match but coach Steve McClaren remained steadfast that the Reggae Boyz can overturn the deficit and advance to the semi-final.

The Reggae Boyz are scheduled to leave the island on Friday for St Louis, Missouri for the second leg on Monday, November 18 knowing they can compete with the defending champions.

“The way they worked, the way they defended, the way they pressed, the way they created. I was very proud of all the players,” McClaren explained.

“It’s one nil. It’s half-time. But I think we’ve proved that the USA will not take the game on Monday lightly,” he added.

Ricardo Pepi scored the winning goal in the fifth minute and stunned the over 20,000 fans inside the National Stadium after latching onto a Christian Pulisic through ball.

Jamaica responded well and Shamar Nicholson earned a penalty after US goalkeeper Matt Turner fouled him in the box. But Demarai Gray’s effort was well saved by Turner making amends in the 14^th minute.

It was a glorious chance missed by the Reggae Boyz although they came close with efforts from defenders Mason Holgate in the 66^th and Damion Lowe in the 67^th minutes.

“We know that we can score. We know that we can give them a game. We know the first goal will be important. If we score the first goal, then the tie is on,” McClaren reiterated.

Jamaica finished the game with 10 men after defender Holgate picked up his second yellow card in the 86^th minute and will miss the following match due to suspension.

The Reggae Boyz started without influential defender Ethan Pinnock of Brentford City and West Ham’s striker Mikhail Antonio but welcomed back Aston Villa’s winger Leon Bailey to the fold as he partnered with Demarey Gray and Shamar Nicholson in McClaren’s 3-4-3 formation.

“I thought we pressed really well and although we got played through at times, it also gave us opportunities. But being one nil down after 5 minutes, it was too open. So, we closed the game in the second half, I made the subs and I thought they made a great impact,” McClaren noted.

“McGee came on, Cephas came on. I think Isaac Hayden was very good in midfield so, I was pleased with the way the game went. I’m not pleased with the result, but I’m pleased that we’re in the tie and we have a chance on Monday,” said McClaren.