USMNT Beats Haiti to Complete ‘Perfect’ Gold Cup Group Stage

The U.S. Men's National Team concluded their 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage campaign with a 2–1 victory over Haiti on Sunday night in Arlington, Texas. With the result, the United State secured a perfect 3–0 record in Group D but their performances across the three matches suggest anything but perfection.

Malik Tillman continued his fine form, scoring in the 10th minute to give the Americans an early lead. It was his third goal of the tournament, and he looked lively throughout the first half. However, a defensive lapse between veteran defender Tim Ream and goalkeeper Matt Freese gifted Haiti an equalizer in the 19th minute, with L. Don Deedson capitalizing from close range.

Despite controlling possession and generating multiple scoring opportunities, including two disallowed goals from Tillman, the U.S. found it difficult to break down Haiti’s defensive shape. It took until the 75th minute for the breakthrough to arrive. Patrick Agyemang, who has emerged as a key figure in the group stage, latched onto a long ball from John Tolkin and coolly finished to restore the lead. The goal was Agyemang’s second of the tournament and proved decisive.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted post-match that his side wasn’t at their best despite the results. “It was a solid win, but not a clinical performance,” he said. “We’ll need to be sharper in the knockout rounds.” His concerns were echoed by many observers who noted the team's lack of fluidity and lapses in concentration.

Throughout the group stage, Pochettino rotated heavily. Key stars like Christian. Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Sergino Dest saw limited minutes, giving younger and fringe players opportunities to impress. While some, like Agyemang and Tolkin, stepped up, the overall consistency of the team remains a work in progress.

This marks the seventh time in Gold Cup history that the USMNT has finished a group stage with a perfect record. With nine points, they top Group D and will now face Costa Rica, the runner-up from Group A, in the quarterfinals on June 29. The venue is yet to be confirmed between Glendale, Arizona, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Though the USMNT completed the group phase without dropping a point, their performances suggest there is plenty to address before facing stronger opponents. The next round will reveal whether this squad has the cohesion and cutting edge to reclaim the Gold Cup title.

 
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