USMNT player ratings: Christian Pulisic earns 9/10 for brace in win over Haiti
The U.S. men’s national team earned a standout 6-0 win against Haiti in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series that was held at Miami’s Nu Stadium on Saturday.
Heading into the series with the knowledge that coach Mauricio Pochettino would soon depart for Manchester United, the game kicked off with an early set piece goal from defender Auston Trusty in the 10th minute. Assisted by midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, the opportunity immediately put the Haitians on the back foot.
After halftime, the U.S. upped the pressure, leading to a goal from teenager Julian Hall, who is now cap-tied to the national team through the appearance in an official game. In the 62nd minute, the Americans took their lead to 3-0 thanks to a Christian Pulisic penalty, and the AC Milan man added a fourth a minute later.
The U.S. continued its fevered pace, securing a fifth goal in the 68th minute from Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun scored in the 82nd minute to cement the 6-0 victory.
With the result in hand, Pochettino will have one match left in charge in next Tuesday’s second quarterfinal leg.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Mauricio Pochettino, 9 — Fielding a mostly best XI, the soon-to-be Man United coach found the right balance for his team that dictated the pace of the game. There could be some questions regarding how efficient his squad was in its 4-2-3-1 setup in the first half, but that all went out the window with the five goals that followed in the second. A victory lap is needed with a significant lead in the quarterfinal series.
Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)
GK Diego Kochen, 6 — Provided a couple of crucial interventions but was lucky to not have allowed a goal after an opportunity from Haiti was called offside following Kochen leaving his line.
DF Alex Freeman, 8 — Won fouls, looked dangerous going forward and provided the assist for Pulisic’s second goal.
DF Chris Richards, 7 — Didn’t have an immense amount of defensive work on the night but stepped up with an invaluable block and a handful of defensive interventions.
DF Auston Trusty, 8 — Good connection with Richards and also scored the first goal that set the tone for the USMNT.
DF Antonee Robinson, 7 — Initially looked thrown off after suffering a knock to the head but then helped take charge with threatening crosses and the eventual assist for Hall’s goal.
MF Tyler Adams, 8 — The captain did well to connect with the rest of the midfield and was especially influential with his distribution.
MF Sebastian Berhalter, 8 — Earned the well-deserved assist for Trusty off a free kick and helped control the heart of the midfield.
AM Malik Tillman, 9 — What more could you ask of the attacking midfielder who had two assists in the lopsided result?
AM Weston McKennie, 9 — Chance creator, intelligent mover of the ball and a goal scorer after finding the back of the net in the second half.
AM Christian Pulisic, 9 — What initially looked like a conservative match then turned into a fantastic performance from the high-profile player who not only scored twice but also found chemistry with his attack with each passing minute.
FW Julian Hall, 8 — Did well to refocus after missing some key opportunities, later earning a goal in the 52nd minute and being involved in the buildup to Pulisic’s penalty call.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
FW Folarin Balogun, 8 — Scored in the 82nd minute and nearly had a second in the one-sided game.
AM Bryan Reynolds, 7 — Decent with his distribution on the right flank, connecting 11 of 12 passes in his cameo appearance.
AM Mathis Albert, NR — Subbed on in 81st minute.
MF Adri Mehmeti, NR — Subbed on in 81st minute, credit is due for winning the ball that led to Balogun’s goal.
FW Justin Ellis, NR — Subbed on in 86th minute.
