Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey lead success for Jamaica against USMNT

Jamaica is still undefeated on home soil in 2022 World Cup Qualifiers after drawing 1-1 with the US men's national team on Tuesday night in Kingston.

The Reggae Boyz went down 1-0 early thanks to a goal from Timothy Weah, but retaliated quickly when Michail Antonio scored in the 22nd minute.

Since joining the national team, Antonio has rapidly become a star for the squad, impressing head coach Theodore Whitmore.

"He's brought something to this group and it's another great performance from him,” Whitmore said.

“He kept the Americans on the backfoot tonight for most of the match. He's going to give 110% every time he plays."

Aston Villa player Leon Bailey also contributed to Jamaica's success, completing the assist on what would have been a game-winning goal that was eventually called back late in the game due to a foul. 

"Michail Antonio and Leon Bailey have made a huge difference,” Whitmore said.

“Any U.S. team will be aware of them and that's a fact. I think it's a mixture of things that compare to the game in Texas." 

Bailey was subbed off a few minutes after the disallowed goal, and after a close call on a late foul, was not happy with the result.

“I believe we deserved more today than just a point but nevertheless we fought to the end,” Bailey wrote in an Instagram post. “Only up from here.”

Jamaica currently sits in 6th on Concacaf table with seven points after back-to-back draws during the November window of World Cup qualifiers.

A positive result against a USMNT coming off of a massive win over Mexico bodes well for Jamaica, but with just six qualifying matches to play, chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 are slim.

Jamaica will host Mexico in the team’s next World Cup Qualifying match on January 27th, 2022.