SAN JOSE, Calif. — The United States is optimistic that a decisive triumph over the 100th-ranked team globally could begin to reduce the skepticism caused by their longest losing streak since 2007.
Malik Tillman netted two goals while Diego Luna contributed two assists in a commanding 5-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago during the Americans’ CONCACAF Gold Cup opener on Sunday.
“I believe it’s crucial to somewhat diminish this — I wouldn’t call it negativity, but, indeed … it’s very important to kick off the competition with positive momentum,” stated U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Victory in the Group D opener ended a four-game losing streak and came after days of controversy over Christian Pulisic’s desire to rest during the Gold Cup and Pochettino not including the star in a pair of pre-tournament friendlies the attacker offered to play in.
Tillman scored in the 16th and 41st minutes for his first two international goals, both following giveaways by Alvin Jones, and Patrick Agyemang scored his fourth international goal in the 44th when Luna’s shot deflected off a foot.
“It was in our hands to show a reaction and I think we’ve done it today,” Tillman said. “We played a good game and it was nice to bounce back, have a good start to the tournament.”
Brenden Aaronson added his ninth goal in the 82nd and Haji Wright his fifth just 1 minute, 13 seconds later for the 16th-ranked Americans, who drew just 12,610 to PayPal Park.
“Malik is a talented player. It’s obvious that everyone can see,” Pochettino said. “October, November, when we met for the first time I think it was difficult to create this relationship that the player need(s) and the coach need(s) to trust and to trust each other. … I think now after a few weeks together I really start to understand him and he starts to understand us. And he’s very special, a very special talent and a very special kid.”
Luna, a 21-year-old who impressed Pochettino during his debut in January when he insisted he stay on the field with a broken nose, was playing not far from where he grew up and said he had gotten tickets for about 30 family and friends.
“Just an honor, right, to be able to dream about this day,” he said. “(To) start off a tournament like this back in my home city is awesome.”
Luna ran onto Jones’ back pass, dribbled down the left flank and crossed to Tillman for the second goal, then shot from just inside the penalty area for the goal that glanced off Tillman for a 3-0 lead.
“His performance was really good. He showed his character,” Pochettino said.
The Americans have won their group in 16 of 17 Gold Cups, along with a second-place finish behind Panama in 2011, and improved their group stage record to 41 wins, one loss and five draws.
They play invited guest Saudi Arabia on Thursday at Austin, Texas, then close group play on June 22 against Haiti at Arlington, Texas.
Matt Freese was in goal in place of Matt Turner, who had started 14 consecutive competitive matches for the U.S. and 23 of 24 dating to the 2022 World Cup. The lone exception was a Gold Cup group stage game against St. Kitts and Nevis in 2023.
Pochettino said he wanted to create competition for Turner, who didn’t get into a Crystal Palace match after March 1.
The coach said Turner told him he was disappointed with the decision but understood it and would compete to get playing time.
