Arlington, TX - In a highly anticipated Concacaf Gold Cup Group D match, Malik Tillman's headed goal propelled the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) to a 1-0 lead over Haiti. The match, held at AT&T Stadium on June 22, 2025, saw a determined USMNT squad aiming to secure a perfect record in the group stage.
The USMNT entered the game already qualified for the Quarterfinals, having secured victories against Trinidad and Tobago and Saudi Arabia. With momentum on their side, they sought to finish the Group Stage strong and maintain their undefeated run in the 2025 edition of the tournament.
Haiti, on the other hand, was eager to secure their first win of the tournament. Following a 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago, "Les Grenadiers" were aiming for a crucial three points to boost their chances of advancing to the Knockout Stage as one of the top two teams in the group.
The game saw Mauricio Pochettino make four changes to the Starting XI that faced Saudi Arabia. Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Quinn Sullivan, and John Tolkin were all inserted into the lineup, marking first Gold Cup starts for Aaronson, Adams, and Sullivan.
The USMNT starting lineup featured Matt Freese in goal, with a defense consisting of John Tolkin, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Tim Ream as captain. The midfield comprised Quinn Sullivan, Brenden Aaronson, Luca de la Torre, and Alex Freeman, while Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang led the attack.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams displaying determination and tactical discipline. The USMNT, however, managed to break the deadlock through a well-executed play that ended with Malik Tillman's decisive header.
Throughout the match, several USMNT players stood out with their individual performances. Chris Richards continued to shine, complementing his defensive efforts. Malik Tillman, with his crucial goal, added to his tally in the tournament. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who was riding a two-game shutout streak, was solid in the net.
With this victory, the USMNT extended their unbeaten run in the Gold Cup to 13 matches. The team's confidence is building as they look ahead to the knockout stages, where they are expected to face tough competition from continental rivals Canada and Mexico.
