US snap four-game losing streak with crushing win over Trinidad and Tobago in CONCACAF Gold Cup

Malik Tillman scored twice in the first half as the US snapped a four-game losing streak with a commanding 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago at PayPal Park in San Jose, Californai on Sunday.

Tillman, netting his first international goals in the 16th and 41st minutes, set the tone, with local kid Diego Luna providing two assists.

Patrick Agyemang, who scored his fourth international goal in the 44th when Luna's shot deflected off a foot, made it 3-0 at the stroke of half-time. Brenden Aaronson, and Haji Wright added late goals to complete the rout.


Despite a modest crowd, the result injected momentum back into the American squad under Mauricio Pochettino.

“Really important I think to cut a little bit this - I don’t say negativity, but, yes ... but it’s really important now to start the competition with a good feeling,” US coach Pochettino said after the much-needed win.

Brenden Aaronson, who last scored for the US in September 2023, added his ninth international goal in the 82nd and Haji Wright, his fifth, slotted in just 1 minute and 13 seconds later for the 16th-ranked Americans.

Luna, a 21-year-old who impressed Pochettino during his debut in January, impressed everyone at the stadium with his energy and skills.

Luna latched onto Jones' back pass, surged down the left flank, and delivered a precise cross that Tillman converted for his second goal.

Moments later, Luna fired a shot from just inside the box that deflected off Agyemang on its way in — though officially uncredited, it was a goal largely of Luna’s making, giving the US a 3-0 lead.