The U.S. dominated the Soca Warriors to build some much-needed momentum to kick off this summer's tournament
SAN JOSE, Calif. – In the days leading up to the Gold Cup, Christian Pulisic made waves with an Instagram post. "Just what the doctor ordered" he wrote, setting off a string of soundbites from across the American soccer landscape. While many of the headlines remain focused on Pulisic's absence, the players that are featuring for the USMNT in this Gold Cup started the tournament with, well, just what the doctor ordered.
Facing off with an overmatched Trinidad and Tobago team, the U.S. jumped out to a 3-0 first-half lead and ran away as 5-0 winners Sunday night to open the 2025 Gold Cup, bringing back some form of positive momentum after several months of negativity.
That four-game losing streak? Over. Those pre-Gold Cup questions? At least partially answered. This was exactly the response the USMNT needed, both to start this tournament and in the big picture of it all.
It started early with a 16th-minute goal from Malik Tillman, who finished off a Jack McGlynn assist to set the tone for the day. It was a huge goal for Tillman, his first in a USMNT shirt – but an even bigger one for the team, who were clearly spurred on to attack in that goal's aftermath. Tillman made it 2-0 just 25 minutes later, tapping home an assist from Diego Luna, before the Real Salt Lake star banked a shot off Patrick Agyemang and in to make it 3-0 before halftime.
The U.S. would add two more in the second half, as Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright came off the bench to join the party with goals of their own.
This wasn't quite perfect – although the USMNT is now a perfect 6-0 all-time against Trinidad and Tobago in the Gold Cup. But it was pretty damn good, helping the U.S. start this tournament on the right foot after tripping over themselves so many times in the last year. And the fact that so few of the USMNT players had ever featured in this tournament speaks volumes – captain Tim Ream was the lone starter with Gold Cup experience
Pulisic isn't showing up this summer but, if Sunday's win is any indication, the U.S. – starting their most-inexperienced squad in the Gold Cup since 2009 – may just find a way to cancel the noise and respond again.
GOAL rates the USMNT's players from PayPal Park.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Matt Freese (6/10):
Getting the start ahead of Matt Turner, really only had to make one play, but he made it, tipping a driven cross out of harm's way on T&T's best push forward.
Max Arfsten (8/10):
Was dangerous in the first half, but really turned it on in the second with the two late assists. Pochettino seems to like him, and his ability to directly impact goals is a big reason why.
Tim Ream (8/10):
A solid performance from the captain, who swatted away a few of T&T's early pushes forward. Provided the calm this team needed in the rare moments when such a thing was required.
Chris Richards (7/10):
Had one sequence in which his pace saved the USMNT, but was otherwise fairly untested. The Soca Warriors didn't really have a forward who could give him any problems.
Alex Freeman (7/10):
Really set the tone with a few big tackles early in the game. Didn't have quite enough opportunities to go forward but, when he did, there were some signs of danger.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Sebastian Berhalter (6/10):
Wasn't the loudest player on the pitch, but he did a little bit of everything. He did seemingly struggle with the physicality a few times, but was otherwise decent.
Luca de la Torre (7/10):
So, so classy in a game that definitely needed that in the midfield. Passed the ball so well and always made the right decision, which prevented T&T from ever getting into the game.
Malik Tillman (9/10):
Two easy, but vital, finishes. Tillman was in the right place at the right time for the first time in a USMNT shirt, which will be a big confidence boost. Outside of those finishes, though, Tillman ran the show, giving T&T headaches all game long.
Getty ImagesAttack
Diego Luna (9/10):
Just an all-around incredible performance. Got his two assists, but Pochettino will be even more impressed by all of the little things he did on the way to getting them.
Patrick Agyemang (6/10):
Got his goal but, admittedly, didn't know much about it. Had a few other chances that he'll want back, but, in general, was lively and made things happen.
Jack McGlynn (7/10):
Had a pretty damn good assist and had a few other looks at goal, too. Really making the most of his chances in this wide midfielder spot.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Mark McKenzie (6/10):
Didn't have to do much, but it was interesting to see Pochettino test out a back three.
Haji Wright (8/10):
Was given a brief runout and got his goal, offering some evidence that he should get a run up top sooner rather than later.
Brenden Aaronson (8/10):
Another player who really needed a good moment, and he found one just a few minutes after coming on. Nearly got a second, too. A real spark off the bench, even if this was a game that didn't really need it.
Paxten Aaronson (6/10):
A cool moment for the midfielder, who came on just moments after his brother's big goal.
Miles Robinson (N/A):
Played less than five minutes, so not much to note.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
The exact response he would have required. He's seemingly found his group now, so don't be surprised to see him rely heavily on these players throughout this Gold Cup.
