- Malik Tillman scored twice and Diego Luna delivered two assists in USA’s 5:0 win over Trinidad and Tobago
- The Americans ended a four-game losing streak amid controversy over Christian Pulisic’s desire to rest during the Gold Cup
- Costa Rica edged Suriname 4:3 with a last-gasp penalty in added time
Key Takeaways:
USA earned a convincing 5:0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in their opening match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Malik Tillman scored twice, while Diego Luna contributed two assists in the emphatic result.
The Group D opener ended a run of four consecutive losses for the Americans and came after days of debate surrounding Christian Pulisic’s request to rest during the Gold Cup.
Star spangled victory in San Jose! pic.twitter.com/NZiM3MgFAn
— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 16, 2025
Tillman found the net in the 16th and 41st minutes for his first two goals with the national team. Patrick Agyemang added his fourth international goal in the 44th minute. After the break, Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright scored to complete the demolition.
“It was really important to win and to ease some of the negativity,” said USA coach Mauricio Pochettino after the match, which was played in San Jose.
Meanwhile, guest nation Saudi Arabia defeated Haiti 1:0 in another match of the tournament held in San Diego, California. Saleh Al Shehri scored the winning goal for the Saudis in the 21st minute.
In a Group A fixture, Costa Rica edged Suriname in a 4:3 thriller. The score was tied at 3:3 until the 13th minute of added time when Manfred Ugalde secured the win with a precisely taken penalty.