USMNT vs Haiti prediction, projected lineups, and how to watch

After much trepidation heading into the Gold Cup, the USMNT has won its first two games, earning a spot in the knockout round with one match left to play. Of course, after an easy game against Trinidad & Tobago, the U.S. needed a second-half goal from center back Chris Richards to get past Saudi Arabia in a tricky 1-0 win. Before the quarterfinals next week, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will face Haiti on Sunday night to close out the group stage.

Barring something dramatic and unexpected, the USMNT will win its Gold Cup group. However, they will be facing a Haitian team that needs a win and some outside help to advance, making Les Grenadiers desperate for a result. The Haitians haven’t performed that poorly over their first two games. However, a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal has been the primary reason for their 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia and disappointing 1-1 draw with Trinidad & Tobago.

This will be the fifth time this century that the U.S. and Haiti meet during the Gold Cup. The results haven’t been as lopsided as you might think. Two years ago, an eighth-minute Sam Vines goal was all that separated the teams in the Gold Cup opener. The USMNT also managed a mere 1-0 win over Haiti in the 2015 Gold Cup, thanks to a Clint Dempsey goal. The U.S. also had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Haiti in the 2009 Gold Cup, as the small Caribbean nation has rarely made it easy for the Americans.

How to Watch USMNT vs Haiti

Time: Sunday, June 22, 7:00 PM, ET

Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Tickets: Click here

TV/streaming: FOX in English | ViX, TUDN in Spanish

USMNT vs Haiti Projected Lineup

Pochettino made no changes to the starting lineup between the first two games of the Gold Cup. However, that’s unlikely to be the case with a spot in the knockout stage already secured. The quick turnaround in the summer Texas heat also means Pochettino would be wise to make several changes. Plus, even as several players have established themselves as automatic starters during the Gold Cup, this could be Pochettino’s last chance to give some other members of the squad a chance to play.

Unfortunately for Haiti, they won’t have the same luxury. The Haitians will likely use many of the same players who have featured during the first two games of the Gold Cup. However, with Jean-Kevin Duverne receiving a red card against Trinidad & Tobago, some changes will be necessary.

USMNT Lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)

Matt Turner (GK) - Nathan Harriel, Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, John Tolkin - Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso - Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna, Quinn Sullivan - Damion Downs

Haiti Lineup (4-4–2, right to left)

Johny Placide (GK) - Carlens Arcus, Ricardo Ade, Garven-Michee Metusala, Martin Experience - Don Deedson Louicius, Leverton Pierre, Danley Jean Jacques, Dany Jean - Frantzdy Pierrot, Duckens Nazon

USMNT vs Haiti prediction

The Gold Cup history between the U.S. and Haiti indicates that this will be a close game. As mentioned, the Haitians have played better than a team that’s only taken one point from two matches. With the USMNT likely to play a heavily-rotated squad, it’s even less likely that this will be anything like the easy victory the U.S. had against Trinidad & Tobago.

That being said, Haiti is a desperate team, meaning they are unlikely to sit back and defend. The Haitians will take some chances, leaving them vulnerable to the counterattack. At the same time, Haiti has had trouble finishing its chances in its two Gold Cup matches, lacking quality in the final third. Don’t be fooled by Frantzdy Pierrot’s 32 goals in 41 international appearances, as most of those have come against lesser CONCACAF opponents.

The depth the USMNT has at center back on the Gold Cup roster should lead to another clean sheet, even if the Haitians throw everything but the kitchen sink at the U.S. in terms of trying to get a goal. At the same time, Haiti can’t afford to sit deep and crowd the middle of the field the way Saudi Arabia did. That should make it a little easier for the U.S. to create scoring chances, which should lead to multiple goals for the USMNT.

Prediction: USA 2, Haiti 0