USA Edges Haiti to Reach Gold Cup Quarterfinals with Perfect Record

The United States sealed a perfect group-stage run at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over Haiti on Sunday in Arlington, Texas. Under Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans had already secured a spot in the quarterfinals with earlier wins against Trinidad and Tobago and invited side Saudi Arabia.

“We made some decisions thinking about the next matches, but also tried to keep the structure because we need to improve,” said Pochettino after the match at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The game started well for the hosts, with Malik Tillman scoring a 10th-minute header off a Brenden Aaronson cross. But Haiti hit back just nine minutes later. U.S. keeper Matthew Freese mishandled a routine backpass from Tim Ream, gifting Louicius Don Deedson the equalizer.

Despite controlling possession, the U.S. struggled to break down a determined Haitian defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when John Tolkin's pass broke the offside trap and found Patrick Agyemang. The Charlotte FC striker rounded the goalkeeper and calmly scored.

With the win, the U.S. tops Group D and moves on to the quarterfinals, where they will face the second-place finisher from Group A, to be decided between Mexico and Costa Rica.