USA Dominates Haiti with 6-0 Victory in CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals
MIAMI — On Saturday, the U.S. men’s soccer team showcased a dominant performance at Nu Stadium, a venue typically known for hosting Lionel Messi. The match carried unique circumstances as U.S. players took direction from Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to leave for Manchester United, while also playing an away match at home due to restrictions on their opponent’s preferred venue.
The result was an impressive 6-0 victory for the U.S. in the first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. In what was Pochettino’s second-to-last match before his move to England, the Americans displayed a relentless attacking style. Christian Pulisic emerged as a key player, scoring his first two goals for the U.S. in over three years, significantly contributing to almost securing a place in the semifinals occurring next spring. The return leg, marking Pochettino’s farewell, is set for Tuesday in Cincinnati.
Auston Trusty opened the scoring with an early goal, and the U.S. doubled their tally with four goals in about 16 minutes during the second half. World Cup standout Folarin Balogun finished the match with a goal, cementing the largest victory margin for the U.S. since their 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup win against Trinidad and Tobago.
Although the match was designated as the home leg for Haiti, ongoing security issues in Port-au-Prince necessitated playing the game in Miami, aimed at leveraging the support from the large Haitian community in South Florida. Haiti, coming off their first World Cup appearance since 1974, aimed to harness that support against a CONCACAF powerhouse.
The U.S., a three-time champion, is striving for its fifth consecutive trip to the Nations League semifinals. The final four teams will compete in late March at SoFi Stadium, located near Los Angeles.
The Americans entered the match following a successful four-match stretch in friendly competitions. However, the Nations League represents a formal competition, with a direct pathway to next summer’s Gold Cup on the line.
Pochettino’s squad faced challenges with injuries to midfielder Gio Reyna and right-back Sergiño Dest, but they were boosted by the returns of Pulisic, Balogun, and Weston McKennie after World Cup absences. Pulisic and McKennie started, while Balogun began the match on the bench, with young talent Julian Hall taking his place. Reyna’s absence created an opening for Sebastian Berhalter, whose role has grown significantly under Pochettino’s management. Goalkeeper Diego Kochen secured the starting role after impressing in earlier matches, edging out World Cup mainstay Matt Freese.
Haiti initially capitalized on the stadium atmosphere, applying pressure early in the game, but the U.S. took the lead in the 10th minute. After a preliminary free-kick miss, Berhalter set up Trusty for a left-footed volley that was confirmed after a video review showed no offside. Trusty marked his return to action following a break from Scottish club Celtic to mourn his father’s passing.
Six minutes later, Kochen showcased his goalkeeping skills by making a crucial save against Danley Jean Jacques, a moment that will likely bolster his position as the starting goalkeeper. Hall, lively throughout the first half, had a goal disallowed for offside and was unsuccessful in another scoring opportunity.
The lead expanded in the 52nd minute, initiated by a deft counterattack involving six players. Freeman’s ball recovery preceded a sequence that saw McKennie combine with Berhalter before Pulisic set up Hall for a straightforward finish. The U.S. increased their advantage in the 62nd minute as Pulisic converted a penalty after being fouled in the box. A minute and 42 seconds later, Pulisic scored again, striking a left-footed shot into the low corner for his 35th international goal.
McKennie added a header off a Malik Tillman corner five minutes later, furthering the score. An offside call spared Kochen after a risky decision to leave his line went awry. Balogun initially thought he had scored but was denied after a VAR review. He ultimately found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, closing the match with the final touch.
