Pochettino’s new-look USMNT forgets Pulisic in style for Gold Cup opener

The United States and Mauricio Pochettino had plenty to smile about in their Gold Cup 2025 opener. After a rocky lead-up to the region’s most prestigious tournament, the USMNT kicked off their Group D campaign on Sunday with a commanding win over Trinidad and Tobago. Missing Christian Pulisic, it was Malik Tillman and Diego Luna who stepped up to lead the charge.

Gold Cup flyer for the USMNT

The first goal came early, in the 16th minute, when Jack McGlynn curled a superb cross to the back post. Tillman brought it down and finished quickly with a low drive across goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. The play began with a defensive blunder from Trinidad and Tobago, whose slip-up opened the door for the American attack.

Soon after, the U.S. nearly doubled their lead. Luna found himself one-on-one with the Trinidadian keeper after a brilliant through ball from McGlynn, but Phillip closed down the angle and denied the Real Salt Lake midfielder with a well-timed save.

The first half was thoroughly one-sided, and another defensive lapse from Trinidad and Tobago gifted the Americans a second goal. A heavy backpass was intercepted by Luna, who dashed forward and squared the ball to Tillman in the six-yard box. The PSV striker slotted home with ease to secure his brace and make it 2-0 in the 41st minute.

Just moments later, the U.S. struck again. Luna weaved past defenders with a dazzling solo run and fired off a shot that beat Phillip. On replay, it appeared to deflect slightly off Patrick Agyemang, and CONCACAF’s official record credited the goal to the Charlotte FC forward, making it 3-0.

Second half stroll for the USMNT

The second half was a formality. With a comfortable lead, Pochettino made a few changes and the pace of the match dropped. Still, the U.S. managed to extend their lead with two more late goals from Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright.

Aaronson, the Leeds United youngster, cut inside from the left and rifled a shot inside the near post to make it 4-0 in the 82nd minute. Just two minutes later, Wright added a fifth – cutting in from the opposite flank and curling a shot into the far corner to complete the rout.

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