The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) opened up their 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 5-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago. Led by a Malik Tillman brace, Patrick Agyemang, Brenden Aaronson, and Haji Wright contributed to the United States’ win on Sunday evening to help them go top of Group D.
Patrick Agyemang missed on two opportunities in the opening minutes. Thankfully, Malik Tillman broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. Jack McGlynn took possession in Trinidad’s box, settling up play before making a move. He sent a lofty ball across the box to Malik Tillman, who settled his possession and fired a rocket past goalkeeper Marvin Phillip.
In the 29th minute, Jack McGlynn went for glory himself with a low attempt just outside the 18. His effort strolled just wide of the post.
In the 41st minute, Malik Tillman would earn his brace and get the red, white, and blue comfortable before the end of the half. Diego Luna was flying down the left flank with pace and saw Tillman beat his man toward the middle of the box. He waited for the perfect opportunity to lay the ball off, and Tillman made no mistake about his shot, firing with 100% accuracy at full strength.
Agyemang would finally get his first goal of the match three minutes later off a deflection in the box. Diego Luna took a chance that was going wide, and Agyemang stuck his boot out to redirect the effort, beating Phillip with ease since the initial attempt threw him off.
Trinidad & Tobago’s best chance came early in the second half when Tyrese Spicer sent a low-level cross in front of goal, but Rio Solomon Cardines was just a second too soon. USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese slightly deflected the ball to avoid Trinidad making it on the board.
Natty James came on as a substitute and immediately made a difference for T&T. In the 76th minute, it looked like he was going to beat his defender, but got held up and had his shot deflected by Mark McKenzie.
Brendan Aaronson and Haji Wright both came into the game as second half substitutes and scored within two minutes of each other.
Trinidad will look to regroup before they face Haiti on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 22. The U.S. will be pleased with their five-goal outing and prepare to face Saudi Arabia on June 19 and Haiti on June 22. Gold Cup matches are available to stream on Fox Sports 1.
-Jon Jones
Photos: James Lyons