June 23, 2025 – The U.S. Men’s National Team survived a major scare against a determined Haitian squad, securing a 2-1 victory in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier that exposed both promise and problems for Gregg Berhalter’s side.

Match Overview: Tense Battle in the Caribbean Heat

Playing in sweltering 90°F (32°C) conditions at Haiti’s temporary home venue in the Dominican Republic, the USMNT struggled early against Haiti’s aggressive press and speedy counterattacks. The match followed a familiar CONCACAF script – physical play, controversial calls, and late drama that left American fans sweating until the final whistle.

⚽ Goal-by-Goal Breakdown

34′ – USA 1-0 (Pulisic penalty)

• Won after Tim Weah was fouled on a driving run into the box

• Pulisic sent the keeper wrong way with ice-cool finish

• Marked Pulisic’s 5th goal in last 6 qualifiers

61′ – Haiti 1-1 (Nazon)

• Disaster struck as US defense fell asleep on a quick restart

• Veteran striker Duckens Nazon pounced on a defensive miscue

• Haiti’s first goal vs USA in 423 minutes of play

72′ – USA 2-1 (Balogun)

• Gio Reyna unlocked defense with perfect through ball

• Balogun showed why he’s the #9 with composed finish

• The Arsenal striker’s 3rd goal in qualifying

🔥 Key Moments That Decided the Game

USMNT’s Big Chances

• 18′ – McKennie’s header off the crossbar

• 55′ – Pulisic’s curling shot saved spectacularly

• 89′ – Miles Robinson’s goal-line clearance to preserve lead

Haiti’s Missed Opportunities

• 27′ – Pierrot blazes over from 8 yards out

• 64′ – Nazon nearly doubles his tally but for Turner save

• 82′ – Free kick rattles the US crossbar

🗣️ Tactical Analysis: What Worked and What Didn’t

US Strengths

✅ Midfield Control – McKennie & Musah dominated possession (62%)
✅ Wing Play – Weah/Aronson created 5 big chances
✅ Finishing – Converted both clear opportunities

US Weaknesses

❌ Defensive Lapses – Poor marking on Haiti’s goal
❌ Slow Starts – Another sluggish opening 30 minutes
❌ Game Management – Nearly conceded late equalizer

🌟 Standout Performers

🇺🇸 USMNT

1. Christian Pulisic – 1 goal, 3 key passes, constant threat

2. Folarin Balogun – Clinical winner, held up play well

3. Miles Robinson – 8 clearances, saved the game late

🇭🇹 Haiti

1. Duckens Nazon – Scored, troubled US backline all night

2. Danley Jean Jacques – Midfield engine (5 tackles)

3. Alex Christian – Locked down right flank defensively

📊 By the Numbers

🔮 What This Means Moving Forward

For the USMNT

• Maintains top spot in Group B (10 points from 4 games)

• Must improve before facing Canada in crucial match

• Defensive questions remain unanswered

For Haiti

• Shows massive improvement from previous cycles

• Still alive but needs results against El Salvador

• Proves CONCACAF’s growing depth

🗓️ Upcoming Schedule

• June 28 – USA vs Canada (Orlando)

• June 28 – Haiti vs El Salvador (Dominican Republic)

💬 Fan Reactions

“We got the win but that performance won’t cut it against Mexico or Canada” – @SoccerFanUSA
“Haitian football is rising! So proud of our boys” – @AyitiFootball
“Berhalter outcoached again – we relied on individual quality” – @TacticalUSMNT

📺 Where to Watch Next Match

• USA vs Canada: June 28, 7:30 PM ET on FS1/Univision

🔴 LIVE Standings Update

1. USA – 10 pts (+5 GD)

2. Canada – 8 pts (+3 GD)

3. Haiti – 4 pts (-1 GD)

4. El Salvador – 0 pts (-7 GD)