The USMNT secured a 2-1 victory against Haiti in their final group stage match of the 2025 Gold Cup, finishing the group stage with a perfect record of three wins. The match, held on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, saw Malik Tillman continue his impressive form, scoring the opening goal. Patrick Agyemang sealed the win with a second-half goal.
The United States needed either a win or a draw to secure the top spot in Group D, having already qualified for the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Haiti, on the other hand, needed a win to keep their hopes of advancing alive. USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino made four changes to the starting lineup from the previous two matches, bringing in Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Quinn Sullivan, and John Tolkin. Tim Ream captained the side for the third consecutive match, partnering with Chris Richards in central defense.
The USMNT got off to a strong start, with Malik Tillman scoring in the 10th minute, marking his third goal in as many games. Agyemang initiated the attack, cutting back and finding Aaronson inside the box. Although Aaronson's initial shot was blocked, he recovered the ball and delivered a right-footed cross towards the far post, where Tillman headed it into the side netting. Haiti responded in the 19th minute after a defensive error by the USMNT. Under pressure from a long ball, Ream passed back to goalkeeper Matt Freese, who mishit his pass to Tolkin. Louicius Don Deedson intercepted the pass and scored with a left-footed shot, leveling the score for Haiti.
The second half saw both teams create chances, with the USMNT ultimately finding the winner in the 75th minute. Tolkin played a precise ball to Agyemang, who evaded Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net. The win ensured that the USMNT finished atop Group D with nine points, maintaining their unbeaten record in the 2025 Gold Cup.
Malik Tillman's performance throughout the Gold Cup has been a major highlight for the USMNT. With key players like Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Ricardo Pepi absent, Tillman has stepped up, providing a creative spark in the attack. His goal against Haiti was his third of the tournament, making him a strong contender for the Golden Boot. Beyond his goal-scoring contributions, Tillman's ability to link midfield and attack, his composure in tight spaces, and his work rate have impressed coach Mauricio Pochettino. Tillman's versatility allows him to play in various attacking positions, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Despite the victory, the match was not without its challenges for the USMNT. Matt Freese's error led to Haiti's equalizing goal, highlighting the need for improved concentration and decision-making at the back. However, the team's overall performance in the group stage has been positive, demonstrating their ability to grind out results even when not at their best.
With the group stage complete, the USMNT will now face Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. The team will look to build on their momentum and continue their quest for the Gold Cup title, with Malik Tillman expected to play a key role in their upcoming matches.
