U.S. Men’s National Team To Play Jamaica In Friendly On Feb. 3 Before World Cup Qualifiers

The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team will make its first-ever visit to Chattanooga, Tennessee on Feb. 3 when they host regional rival Jamaica for a friendly match at Finley Stadium.

U.S. Men’s National Team To Play Jamaica In Friendly On Feb. 3 Before World Cup Qualifiers

The game will come just one month before the USMNT’s next set of Final Round Qualifiers for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Americans will host Honduras on March 24, then play away in Panama four days later.

There is an expected capacity crowd of 20,000 for the Feb. 3 game at Finley. The match will be broadcast live on FS1 and UniMas (simulcast on UDN).

Defeats to Mexico and Costa Rica late last year to open World Cup qualifying put the U.S. in a tough position and led to the firing of head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. The Americans now sit at the bottom of the qualifying table and new coach Bruce Arena will be charged with the now-difficult task of helping them reach next year’s World Cup.

With its first trip to Eastern Tennessee, the USMNT is heading into a thriving soccer market. NPSL side Chattanooga FC reached the championship in 2015, where a crowd of 18,277 set a record for attendance at an amateur game in the United States. Just over a week later, the U.S. Women’s Team played before a sold-out crowd on the artificial turf at Finely and defeated Costa Rica 7-2.

“It’s important that fans across the country have an opportunity to see the National Team, and we are always looking for places that have shown great support for the sport,’ said Arena. “From what we have seen, everything that’s happened in Chattanooga is remarkable. We’re looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere.”

The USMNT will also play a friendly against Serbia one week before Jamaica as part of their training camp.

The U.S. holds a 13-2-8 record against Jamaica dating back to 1988- it’s been more than ten years since they met in a friendly on U.S. soil. In the U.S.’s last game before Arena named the roster for the 2006 World Cup, a goal by D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen and the 100th appearance by goalkeeper Tony Meola highlighted the 1-1 tie.

COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 29: Kyle Beckerman #15 of the United States Men’s National Team controls the ball against Guatemala during the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier on March 29, 2016 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The United States defeated Guatemala 4-0. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena