Six-goal Haiti rout gives USMNT takeaways from Mauricio Pochettino’s first Nations League leg

A commanding first-leg win

The USMNT scored six times against Haiti in Miami, where the match counted as a home game for Haiti. The victory gave the United States a substantial advantage heading into the return match in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

With six away goals to its name, the USMNT will advance unless Haiti scores seven away goals in the second leg. The result was the biggest win of Pochettino’s time as coach.

Hall offers a different role

Julian Hall is listed as a number nine, but he often drops into deeper areas instead of staying near the opposing goal. In the first half, he drew three important fouls, including one that stopped a Haiti counterattack in the USMNT half. Hall also collected the ball in midfield and helped build attacks, showing how his approach can contribute beyond scoring.

Goals point to future options

Christian Pulisic scored twice, while Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun each scored once. Auston Trusty and Hall also scored in the 6-0 victory. The performance brought together established World Cup players and promising young talent. The article names Steve Cherundolo, BJ Callaghan, Roberto Martinez and Pep Guardiola as reported contenders to succeed Pochettino, but does not identify a successor.

Kochen and Berhalter stand out

Pochettino selected Kochen over Schwake, and Kochen kept a clean sheet. Haiti appeared to score after catching him out of position in the second half, but the goal was later ruled out because of offside.

Sebastian Berhalter also drew attention for stepping in to protect captain Tyler Adams during a confrontation with a Haitian player. He avoided being sent off, in a moment that reflected the team’s grit, intensity and restraint.