Malik Tillman double leads US to 5-0 rout of Trinidad and Tobago in Gold Cup opener

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"Malik Tillman Scores Twice as U.S. Defeats Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in Gold Cup Opener"

Malik Tillman double leads US to 5-0 rout of Trinidad and Tobago in Gold Cup opener analysis cover image The Guardian 8.2
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/15/usmnt-trinidad-and-tobago-gold-cup
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In a commanding performance, Malik Tillman scored twice to propel the United States to a decisive 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in their Concacaf Gold Cup opener. Tillman netted his first two international goals in the 16th and 41st minutes, both capitalizing on defensive errors by Alvin Jones. Shortly before halftime, Patrick Agyemang added a third goal, marking his fourth international strike. The U.S. maintained overwhelming control throughout the match, boasting 70.5% possession and outshooting their opponents 21-3. This victory was particularly significant as it ended a four-game losing streak for the Americans, their longest since 2007, while also avenging a previous defeat to Trinidad and Tobago in 2017 that had marked a low point in their World Cup qualifying history.

The match's outcome not only showcased the U.S.'s attacking prowess but also highlighted the depth of their squad, despite the absence of several key players, including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie. Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright rounded out the scoring with goals in the 82nd and 83rd minutes, respectively. The U.S. team, ranked 16th globally, now looks ahead to their next group stage matches against Saudi Arabia and Haiti, aiming to secure a strong position in the tournament. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's decision to rotate players, including placing Matt Freese in goal for the first time in competitive matches, underscored the team's strategy to navigate the Gold Cup while building for future competitions. Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, continues to struggle under the management of former star Dwight Yorke, having lost four of their last five matches, which adds pressure as they seek to recover in the tournament.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/15/usmnt-trinidad-and-tobago-gold-cup

Malik Tillman scored twice as the United States built a three-goal, first-half lead and ended a four-game losing streak by routing Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 on Sunday in a Concacaf Gold Cup opener.

Tillman scored in the 16th and 41st minutes for his first two international goals, both after giveaways by Alvin Jones, and Patrick Agyemang scored his fourth international goal in the 44th.

Brenden Aaronson added his ninth goal in the 82nd and Haji Wright his fifth just 1 minute, 13 seconds later as the 16th-ranked Americans overwhelmed the No. 100 Soca Warriors and ended their longest losing streak since 2007.

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Victory in the Group D opener came after days of controversy overChristian Pulisic’s desire to restduring the Gold Cup and coach Mauricio Pochettino not including the star in a pair of pre-tournament friendlies the attacker offered to play in.

The US had 70.5% possession and a 21-3 advantage in shots against the Soca Warriors, whose 2-1 home win against the Americans in 2017 ended a streak of seven straight World Cup appearances by the US.

The Americans have won their group in 16 of 17 Gold Cups, along with a second-place finish behind Panama in 2011, and improved their group stage record to 41 wins, one loss and five draws. They play invited guest Saudi Arabia on Thursday at Austin, Texas, then close group play on 22 June against Haiti at Arlington, Texas.

Matt Freese was in goal in place of Matt Turner, who had started 14 consecutive competitive matches for the US and 23 of 24 dating to the 2022 World Cup. The lone exception was a Gold Cup group stage game against St Kitts and Nevis in 2023.

MissingPulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest, the US starting lineup averaged 14.8 international appearances. That was the second-fewest for the Americans in a Gold Cup opener behind 9.8 against Bermuda in 2009, according to Opta.

Adams (turf toe), Johnny Cardoso and Damion Downs (both illness) didn’t dress.

Defender Tim Ream started, extending his Gold Cup span for the US to 14 years and surpassing DaMarcus Beasley (2002-15) for the American high.

Trinidad, coached by former star Dwight Yorke, has lost four of its last five games.

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Source: The Guardian