USMNT vs. Haiti at 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2-1 win, lineup, and what’s next

USMNT edges Haiti 2-1 in Arlington: early punch, late winner

An early spark, a quick reply, and a late dagger decided this one. The USMNT held off Haiti 2-1 on June 22, 2025, in a CONCACAF Gold Cup group-stage match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Malik Tillman scored in the 10th minute, Haiti’s Louicius Deedson hit back in the 19th, and Patrick Agyemang sealed it in the 75th. Kickoff was 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT), and 20,918 fans showed up under the Arlington roof.

The United States lined up with Matt Freese in goal. The back four: Alex Freeman at right back, Chris Richards and captain Tim Ream in central defense, and John Tolkin on the left. Tyler Adams anchored midfield with Luca de la Torre next to him. Ahead of them, Quinn Sullivan, Tillman, and Brenden Aaronson worked the half-spaces and flanks, with Agyemang leading the line. On paper it leaned 4-2-3-1, but in possession it often looked like a 4-3-3 with Aaronson tucking inside and Tolkin pushing high.

The opening goal came from direct, tidy play. The U.S. pressed Haiti into a turnover, moved the ball quickly through midfield, and Tillman drove into the box to finish low. Haiti didn’t flinch. Deedson equalized nine minutes later, cutting through the channel and beating Freese with a confident strike. It was the reminder the U.S. expected: Haiti is organized, fast in transition, and comfortable playing through pressure when space appears.

From there, the game settled into a test of patience. Adams set the tempo with short outlets and a few switch balls to stretch Haiti’s shape. Richards and Ream kept a high line, trusting their timing to win first contacts and stepping into midfield when needed. Freeman gave the U.S. width on the right; Tolkin’s overlaps on the left forced Haiti’s wingers to track deeper than they wanted.

The winner arrived in the 75th minute. After a spell of U.S. pressure and a couple of recycled crosses, Agyemang found a pocket at the near post and finished with power. It was the kind of No. 9 goal you want in tournament play—narrow window, big moment, clean execution.

Haiti kept swinging late. They chased second balls and tested the U.S. on set pieces, but Freese commanded his box, and Ream’s positioning saved a dangerous break in stoppage time. The final whistle felt like relief and validation at once: three points on a night that demanded focus.

What it means for the group, standouts, and how to follow the team

This win gives the United States a strong foothold in Group Stage play. In the Gold Cup, the top two teams from each group advance to the knockouts. Banking three points early eases the pressure heading into the second match and lets the coaching staff manage minutes with a bit more freedom.

2025’s tournament is co-hosted by Canada and the United States, with the group stage beginning June 14 across stadiums in both countries. AT&T Stadium—massive, climate-controlled, and loud—has become a reliable Gold Cup venue. The closed roof kept conditions steady, and the crowd leaned American but gave Haiti real energy when they broke forward.

Who moved the needle for the U.S.?

• Malik Tillman: Aggressive in the half-spaces, decisive finish for 1-0, and tidy link play when dropping between the lines.
• Patrick Agyemang: Kept center backs busy all night and delivered the 75th-minute winner with a sharp run and finish.
• Tyler Adams: Set the platform. Covered gaps, broke up counters, and kept the ball moving when the game slowed.
• Tim Ream and Chris Richards: Managed the line well, especially after Haiti’s equalizer. Limited clean looks in open play.
• Brenden Aaronson: Constant pressure on the ball, drew fouls, and helped the U.S. reset when transitions got messy.

Key match facts at a glance:

• Date: June 22, 2025 (Group Stage, CONCACAF Gold Cup)
• Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
• Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT)
• Attendance: 20,918
• Score: United States 2, Haiti 1
• Scorers: Tillman 10', Deedson 19', Agyemang 75'
• U.S. XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream (c), Tolkin; Adams, de la Torre; Sullivan, Tillman, Aaronson; Agyemang

What should fans look for next? The group stage is about stacking points and staying healthy. Expect rotation in wide areas and at fullback as minutes add up. If the U.S. keeps control in midfield and limits transition chances, they’ll like their odds in the knockout rounds.

Catching up and watching future USMNT Gold Cup games: If you missed the live broadcast, full-match replays and extended highlights are typically made available by official tournament and team platforms after the final whistle. For upcoming fixtures, broadcast and streaming details are usually posted on matchday by the organizers and the national team. Check the usual places you watch top-tier soccer in the U.S., and keep an eye on the federation’s channels for kickoff times, pregame coverage, and re-air schedules.

One last note on Haiti: they were compact, brave with the ball, and quick to jump on U.S. turnovers. That approach forced the Americans to stay switched on for 90 minutes. If they bring that same edge in their remaining group games, they’re very much in the mix to push for a top-two spot.