The United States moved firmly towards the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals by beating Haiti 6-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
Christian Pulisic scored twice for the USA, while Auston Trusty, Julian Hall, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun were also on target in the team’s first match since Mauricio Pochettino announced his upcoming move to Manchester United.
The visitors took the lead after 10 minutes at Nu Stadium. Trusty timed his run perfectly to meet Sebastian Berhalter’s free-kick and guide a finish into the bottom-right corner.
Hall appeared to have doubled the advantage shortly after the half-hour mark when he slid onto Alex Freeman’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The forward eventually got his goal in the 52nd minute, turning in Antonee Robinson’s cut-back.
Pulisic then struck twice in the space of two minutes after the hour mark. He first converted from the penalty spot after being brought down by Carlens Arcus, before cutting inside and curling a second beyond Alexandre Pierre from outside the box.
McKennie added the USA’s fourth five minutes later, heading in Malik Tillman’s cross.
Haiti thought they had pulled one back when Lenny Joseph found the net, but a VAR review confirmed the forward had been offside. Balogun also had a goal disallowed for handball after coming on as a second-half substitute.
The Monaco striker did have the final say, however, scoring in the 82nd minute by firing the ball through the Haiti goalkeeper’s legs.
USA show attacking strength under Pochettino
Any concern that the announcement of Pochettino’s impending departure might affect the USA’s performance was dispelled by a highly effective display in Miami.
The United States recorded 3.8 expected goals (xG) from 16 shots, including six Opta-defined big chances. Haiti managed only four shots and 0.76 xG.
Pulisic scored with both of his attempts and led the match for touches in the opposition box, with eight. That was more than Haiti managed as a team, with their players combining for five touches in the area.
Berhalter also made a significant contribution, winning possession seven times – joint-highest for the USA – while succeeding in four of his six duels and completing both of his dribbles.
Hall and Balogun’s goals further strengthened the attacking options available to the USA’s next manager, with the pair competing for a starting place.
Mexico have yet to play their quarter-final first leg against Jamaica, while Canada only narrowly defeated Guatemala 3-2. The USA will now aim to complete the job in the second leg, which will be Pochettino’s final game in charge.
