USA v Trinidad and Tobago: Gold Cup live updates

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"USMNT Faces Trinidad and Tobago in Gold Cup Opener Amidst Team Controversies"

USA v Trinidad and Tobago: Gold Cup live updates analysis cover image The Guardian 7.4
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2025/jun/15/usa-v-trinidad-and-tobago-gold-cup-live-updates
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TruthLens AI Summary

The upcoming match between the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) and Trinidad and Tobago in the Gold Cup has stirred various emotions among fans, particularly due to the presence of Alvin Jones on the opposing team. Jones is notably remembered for his role in the USMNT's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, where he scored a critical goal and assisted on an own goal that led to the US's elimination. This match is significant not only for its competitive stakes but also for the historical context that adds a layer of tension and narrative to the encounter. The US team, under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, has faced several challenges leading up to this tournament, including the absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, who opted out of the Gold Cup and pre-tournament friendlies due to club commitments. This decision has drawn criticism from former USMNT star Landon Donovan, who expressed his disappointment on various platforms, highlighting the implications of player availability on the team’s performance and morale.

The USMNT's recent form has been concerning, as evidenced by a string of poor results, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Switzerland and a 2-1 loss to Turkey in their last outing. Pochettino has made adjustments to the starting XI for the match against Trinidad and Tobago, including defensive and midfield changes aimed at reversing the team's fortunes. Notable inclusions are Tim Ream in central defense and Sebastian Berhalter in midfield, replacing Miles Robinson and Johnny Cardoso, respectively. As the USMNT seeks to regain momentum in the tournament, this match against Trinidad and Tobago serves as a crucial opportunity for the team to demonstrate resilience and improve upon their recent performances. Fans and analysts alike are keenly watching to see if the US can overcome their recent struggles and start the Gold Cup on a positive note.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2025/jun/15/usa-v-trinidad-and-tobago-gold-cup-live-updates

Here’s the starting XI that will take on the United States.

Eagle-eyed aficionados of USMNT pain and anguish will notice the presence of one Alvin Jones.

Jones, in case you forgot (intentionally or not), was the Trinidad & Tobago player most responsible for eliminating the US from World Cup qualifying back in 2017. He scored his first international goal and put in the cross that resulted in an own goal in Couva that evening.

It’s a long(ish) story.

First, Mauricio Pochettino announced that Pulisic had elected to not join the US for this summer’s Gold Cup and pre-Gold Cup friendlies. In addition, several other players were left out for various reasons, ranging from Club World Cup commitments to injuries.

Landon Donovan, a former USMNT great who now works as a commentator for Fox, criticized Pulisic and others on his podcast with former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard:

Donovan later repeated those points of criticism on Fox Sports 1 after Portugal won the Uefa Nations League, which drew a response from Christian Pulisic’s dad, Mark Pulisic:

Christian then made an appearance of his own on CBS Sports’ Call it What You Want podcast, saying that he told Pochettino he wanted to play the two friendlies but was rebuffed:

Pochettino confirmed as much in his pre-match press conference yesterday.

…That brings us up to date! Exhausted yet?

How are things going for Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT lately?

In short…not great.

There are off-field controversies, and on-field struggles. In a 4-0 loss to Switzerland, there were errors that fall both on the coaching staff and the players.

Read more:

Mauricio Pochettino has named a starting XI that closely resembled the group that took the field v Turkey last week – a game they lost 2-1.

Notable changes from that game v Turkey include Tim Ream in for Miles Robinson in central defense, and Sebastian Berhalter replacing Johnny Cardoso in midfield.

The US hasn’t had a great deal of positive momentum lately, but they’ll try to reverse that later this evening when they take onTrinidad and Tobagoin their Gold Cup opener. I’m Alex, and I’ll be with you the whole way. Follow along!

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Source: The Guardian