The national team of the United States went from the perfect start in his Gold Cup campaign, giving Pochettino a small breathing space.
The United States and Mauricio Pochettino had enough to smile in their Gold Cup 2025 opener. After a rocky run-up to the most prestigious tournament in the region, the USMNT started their group D campaign on Sunday with an impressive victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Christian Pulisic was missing, it was Malik Tillman and Diego Luna who performed to lead.
Gold Cup Flyer for the USMNT
The first goal came early, in the 16th minute, when Jack McMlynn curled a fantastic cross to the back post. Tillman took it down and quickly ended with a low ride on goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. The piece started with a defensive blunder from Trinidad and Tobago, whose slip-up opened the door for the American attack.
Shortly thereafter, the US almost doubled their lead. Luna was one-on-one with the Trinidadian keeper after a brilliant by McGlynn's ball, but Phillip closed the corner and denied the real midfielder of Salt Lake with a well-timed save.
The first half was thoroughly one -sided and another defense course of Trinidad and Tobago gave the Americans a second goal. A heavy backpass was intercepted by Luna, who ran forward and the ball to Tillman squared in the six-year box. The PSV striker easily slid home to secure his brace and make the 41st minute 2-0.
Moments later the US struck again. Luna woven past defenders with a dazzling solo -run and shot a shot that defeated Phillip. In the event of repetition, it seemed to deviate somewhat from Patrick Agyemang, and the official record of Concacaf has credited the goal to the Charlotte FC Vooruit, making it 3-0.
Second half walk for the USMNT
The second half was a formality. With a comfortable lead, Pochettino made a few changes and the pace of the competition fell. Nevertheless, the US managed to expand their lead with two more late goals from Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright.
Aaronson, the Leeds United Youngster, cut in from the left and shot a shot in the nearby pole to bring the 4-0 in the 82nd minute. Only two minutes later, Wright added a fifth – cut from the opposite flank and curled a shot in the far corner to complete the routes.