Lucas Peltier, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Premier League Star Out For USA vs Jamaica Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Nov 18, 2024 11:35 AM ET

The United States Men's National Team entered Monday's match against Jamaica with a 1-0 advantage after the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal.

American soccer star Christian Pulisic assisted Ricardo Pepi for an early goal in Thursday's first leg. Pepi's strike proved to be enough, combined with strong defending and a penalty kick save from goalkeeper Matt Turner, to help USMNT leave Jamaica with a 1-0 win.

As the United States and Jamaica packed up to travel to St. Louis for the decisive second-leg fixture on Monday, an unexpected gaffe cost a Premier League star the chance to help his team fight for a spot in the semifinal.

"Lost passports," Jamaica head coach Steve McClaren explained in a press conference Sunday. "It was too late to get new ones and to get visas to come over here, so they are missing."

The 63-year-old coach was referring to Jamaica players Michail Antonio and Kaheim Dixon, who were left off the traveling squad. Antonio plays striker for West Ham United in the English Premier League.

Antonio missed the first leg on Thursday with a suspension, but his return was expected to give Jamaica a lift on Monday.

Decent goal from Michail Antonio for Jamaica v USA ⚽ #golazo pic.twitter.com/Otoeja9w2P
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) November 16, 2021

"This will be a completely different game altogether," McClaren continued. "We know that USA on home soil is a totally different team, so we expect another very difficult game but come here with optimism and belief.”

It's a huge blow for the Reggae Boyz as they attempt to overcome a 1-0 deficit on the road. McClaren also revealed that another EPL-based player, Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock, will not be available to face the United States on Monday due to injury.

Pinnock is injured, Mason Holgate is suspended after getting sent off in the first leg but the BIG news here is Antonio & Kaheim Dixon have LOST their passports and can’t travel. Huge disappointment for the Reggae Boyz who are still in this tie. Shambles. https://t.co/7hNRkicW9k pic.twitter.com/0ytYSBNxK8
— The Counter Attack (@TheCountrAttack) November 17, 2024

USMNT got better roster news ahead of the quarterfinal decider. Midfielder Brenden Aaronson returned to team camp in St. Louis after missing the first leg with illness.

Tim Weah is back in the #USMNT after serving his suspension @Nicocantor1 and @CharlieDavies9 take a look at how the Juve star fits into Mauricio Pochettino's potential line up ️ pic.twitter.com/2CCyGZtqcx
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) November 18, 2024

Winger Timothy Weah also missed the first match as he finished serving a suspension for his inglorious red card in the Yanks' calamitous Copa America defeat to Panama this summer. The Juventus man is available for Monday's match, giving him the chance to make his first appearance and a better impression under new coach Mauricio Pochettino.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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