USA overcome Haiti in Gold Cup opener

The United States started their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti on Sunday.

Sam Vines’ first international goal proved to be enough for the USA at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.

The eighth-minute header helped the USA make a winning start in Group B, in which they sit behind Canada, who crushed Martinique 4-1 earlier on Sunday.

The USA are six-time Gold Cup champions, including winning two of the past four editions – in 2013 and 2017.

They went close to an opener in just the sixth minute, but Walker Zimmerman’s volley from a corner hit the crossbar.

However, they opened the scoring just three minutes later as Vines headed in powerfully from close range after Gyasi Zardes’ pass from inside the area.

GOAL!  Sam Vines makes it 1-0 for the #USMNT!

First international goal for Vines! #GoldCup21 #ThisIsOurs pic.twitter.com/As3a9D7on0

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) July 12, 2021

The USA continued to threaten and went close to doubling their lead in the 66th minute, but Nicholas Gioacchini hit the post with a side-footed effort.

Gregg Berhalter’s side are next in action on Thursday, when they take on Martinique.