The US secures Group D lead after beating Haiti.

▲ The Star-Spangled Banner could face Mexico in the next round. AP Photo

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, June 23, 2025, p. a10

The United States took the lead in Group D of the 2025 Gold Cup after defeating Haiti 2-1 in the third and final match of the group stage, played yesterday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with Mexican Katia Iztel González as referee.

Thanks to this victory, the team coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, who remains undefeated in the tournament and had already secured their place in the quarterfinals, earned nine points to remain at the top. This means the United States could face Mexico in the next round if the Tricolors lose their match against Costa Rica.

Haiti, in turn, was eliminated after finishing in fourth and final place with one point.

The American team opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Malik Tillman headed in an assist from Patrick Agyemang in the center of the box to beat goalkeeper Johnny Placide and make it 1-0.

The hosts' advantage was short-lived, as just nine minutes later (19), Haiti tied the score (1-1) with a goal from Louicius Deedson. After the tie, both teams slowed down and failed to score before halftime.

In the second half, the United States thrilled their fans by invading the opposing goal three times; however, all goals were disallowed by Katia Itzel García, who was accompanied by fellow tricolors Sandra Ramírez and Karen Díaz. The first was for a handball in the box, and the other two were for offside.

It was not until the 75th minute that the home side managed to increase their scoring lead (2-1), after Agyemang took advantage of a pass from John Tolkin in the area to pierce the opposing goal with a powerful left-footed shot.

In the final stretch, the United States went on the attack in search of an additional lead; however, they were unable to score another goal and took a 2-1 victory.

In the other Group D match, played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia salvaged a valuable 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago, finishing second with four points and securing their place in the quarterfinals.

The Trinidadians were eliminated from the competition after finishing in third place with two points.

Trinidad and Tobago took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from Dante Sealy, but the Saudis equalized (1-1) in the 60th minute through Feras Al-Brikan.