USMNT “learns, improves” from tough Haiti challenge

There was loads of stress surrounding the U.S. males’s nationwide group heading into the CONCACAF Gold Cup, however after three group stage victories, it’s protected to say that these worries have quieted a bit.

Sunday’s 2-1 win over Haiti capped off an ideal group stage for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, incomes them prime honors in Group D heading into the knockout stage.

Though the USMNT left ample scoring alternatives on the desk in opposition to the Haitians in Arlington, objectives from Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang had been sufficient to proceed a optimistic run for this system within the event. Pochettino praised the hassle and efficiency from his gamers, whereas additionally crediting Haiti for offering a troublesome problem for his group.

“I feel total it was an excellent efficiency. Possibly we weren’t as medical with the probabilities that we had. I feel we must always rating extra,” Pochettino mentioned postmatch. “However I feel once we rating and we lead the sport after which an accident, I feel that we concede the aim. I feel that created slightly bit doubt in us. Once more, I feel it was powerful to cope with that, however I feel total the efficiency was good.

“They [Haiti] had been an enormous problem for us as a result of it’s a superb group that performed direct, they usually have superb gamers, there with physicality, they’re robust,” he added. “And that was our problem for us to study and enhance.”

Each Tillman and Agyemang have continued to select up objectives all through the competitors, combining for 5 tallies within the opening three matches. Tillman, who entered June camp with out a global aim to his identify, has confirmed his high quality contained in the 18-yard field, including a headed aim to his tally on Sunday.

The attacking midfielder brings versatility to the midfield, which has led to Pochettino making an attempt to get him in the perfect spots on the sphere.

“Malik, it’s tough to outline him as a result of what a participant, no?” Pochettino mentioned about Tillman. “What a participant that’s exhibiting this, all his expertise and capability. As a result of this kind of participant, the expertise that he has proven with each single sport after which with the capability with out ball, the work ethic in the way in which that he actually is aggressive, he recovered plenty of balls. He’s all the time making an attempt to assist the deep press, chasing again, enjoying in several positions.

“He can seem like a No. 10 in coaching, between the strains, utilizing the half area, however might be in the precise or left facet, vast,” Pochettino added. “Or he can drop and play like a No. 8, No. 6. I feel, ‘What a proficient participant.’ So happy with him.”

Agyemang missed a golden alternative on a first-half breakaway however didn’t cling his head. The Charlotte FC ahead rounded Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide within the 78th minute earlier than tapping into an empty internet, a second which ultimately served because the successful aim.

Though Agyemang simply might have greater than his 5 worldwide objectives thus far, Pochettino credited his ahead for the arduous work he has dropped at the beginning lineup.

“Patrick is doing a incredible job for the group,” the Argentine head coach mentioned. “All that he gave to the group immediately and the earlier video games additionally, he’s a incredible striker. Nonetheless room to enhance, however we’re so proud of him.”

Haiti’s lone aim got here from a blunder from USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese. Freese’s errant cross within his 18-yard field landed on the toes of Louicius Don Deedspn, who curled a left-footed shot previous the 26-year-old and into the far-left nook of the web.

Freese, who made his debut in opposition to Turkey 16 days in the past, denied Haiti a second aim within the second half and total helped hold the USMNT from letting their lead slip away a second time.

Whereas Pochettino will hope to not see errors from his goalkeepers going ahead, he admitted that Freese wants to just accept the error and transfer ahead.

“One of the simplest ways to belief in a participant is to not [say anything]. To not watch out with this or cautious with that,” Pochettino mentioned. “No. Transfer on. Bear in mind, a very powerful motion is the subsequent one. If you happen to suppose [about] the final one you’re useless, you’ll do one other mistake.”

The USMNT will now put together for a quarterfinal showdown with Costa Rica on June 29, realizing {that a} showdown with The Ticos shall be their hardest match but of the competitors. A 3-match successful streak to begin the group stage is actually optimistic, but when Pochettino’s squad desires to be competing for the Gold Cup trophy, they can not afford any errors going ahead.