SAN JOSE, Calif. — Malik Tillman scored twice, Diego Luna and Max Arfsten each delivered two assists, and the United States men’s national team opened the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday at PayPal Park.
The U.S., seeking its eighth Gold Cup title, overwhelmed Trinidad and Tobago with a dynamic first-half performance and never looked back. Tillman scored his first two international goals in the 16th and 41st minutes, while Patrick Agyemang added his team-leading fourth goal of the year in the 44th to give the Americans a 3-0 halftime lead.
Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright added late goals in the 82nd and 84th minutes, respectively, as the U.S. outshot Trinidad and Tobago 21-3 and held 10 corner kicks to the visitors’ four.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, making his first appearance in an official competition for the U.S., recorded two saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The U.S. starting lineup, with an average of just 15 international caps and only one player — 37-year-old Tim Ream — with prior Gold Cup experience, showcased a blend of youth and poise. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, defender Alex Freeman, and Freese all made their competitive debuts, while Jack McGlynn earned his first start in an official match.
Luna, a California native playing near his hometown of Sunnyvale, set up Tillman’s second goal and was instrumental again moments later, delivering a ball that deflected off Agyemang and into the net to make it 3-0 before halftime.
Trinidad and Tobago, who tried to sit deep early, struggled to generate offense, only forcing Freese into action once in the second half when Tyrese Spicer broke through in the 58th minute.
The United States now leads Group D heading into its next match against guest team Saudi Arabia on Thursday in Austin, Texas. The group stage concludes June 22 against Haiti at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The Americans are now 41-1-5 all-time in Gold Cup group stage play and have won 15 straight home matches against Trinidad and Tobago. Sunday’s win marks their 13th consecutive shutout in the series on U.S. soil.