Pulisic Passes Wynalda as USMNT Routs Haiti 6-0 in Pochettino’s Penultimate Match
Christian Pulisic scored twice and passed Eric Wynalda for fourth place on the U.S. men’s national team’s all-time scoring list as the United States routed Haiti 6-0 on Saturday night in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal at Nu Stadium in Miami.
The win gave outgoing head coach Mauricio Pochettino a commanding start to his farewell week before he leaves for Manchester United after Tuesday’s second leg in Cincinnati.
Five second-half goals break the game open
The United States led only 1-0 at halftime. Auston Trusty opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing from the center of the box after a set-piece delivery from Sebastian Berhalter.
Julian Hall doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, finishing a counterattack set up by Antonee Robinson. Pulisic then struck twice in a minute, converting a penalty in the 62nd minute and adding a finish from outside the box in the 63rd.
Weston McKennie headed home a Malik Tillman corner in the 68th minute, and Folarin Balogun completed the scoring in the 82nd minute after another Tillman pass. Balogun had an earlier goal disallowed by VAR, and Haiti’s Lenny Joseph saw a would-be goal ruled out for offside.
Pulisic climbs the record book
His penalty was his 34th international goal, tying Wynalda for fourth in U.S. men’s history; his second goal a minute later, his 35th, moved him past Wynalda outright. Next on the list is Jozy Altidore with 42.
It was his first multi-goal game for the national team since the 3-0 win over Mexico in the 2022-23 Nations League, and his first appearance since this summer’s World Cup.
Pochettino’s farewell tour
Manchester United appointed Mauricio Pochettino as head coach on Friday, and he will start with the club on November 18. Pochettino succeeds Michael Carrick, who was sacked after United’s worst start to a Premier League season.
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Tuesday’s second leg at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati will be his final match in charge; the winner advances to the Nations League Finals.
Why it matters
It was the largest victory of Pochettino’s tenure and the first time the United States has scored six goals in a Concacaf competition match since its 6-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the 2023 Gold Cup.
Hall, 18, scored his fourth international goal in five games after starting ahead of Balogun, underlining the depth Pochettino’s successor will inherit.
Latest developments
Haiti will need a historic comeback in Cincinnati on Tuesday, while the United States will look to complete the job and give Pochettino a winning send-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Christian Pulisic scored for the USMNT?
Pulisic now has 35 international goals, fourth all time for the U.S. men. He passed Eric Wynalda (34) with his brace against Haiti. Jozy Altidore is third with 42 goals.
When is the second leg against Haiti?
The second leg is on Tuesday, November 17, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The United States carries a 6-0 aggregate lead into the match.
When does Mauricio Pochettino start at Manchester United?
Pochettino joins Manchester United on November 18, after leading the USMNT in Tuesday’s second leg against Haiti. That match will be his final game in charge of the national team.
The United States heads to Cincinnati with the tie all but decided. For Pulisic, the night added a personal milestone to a performance that set up Pochettino’s farewell perfectly.
Sources: Concacaf, NBC Sports, MLS Soccer
