The Americans clinched first place in Gold Cup Group A with a 1-0 win against Haiti that was tougher than expected, but still a valuable experience.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — For the second straight match, an underdog pushed the U.S. national team, but for the second straight match the Americans avoided being truly punished for their slow start. Instead, the U.S. found ways to win in matches that were well below the standard expected of the reigning Gold Cup champion.
Jurgen Klinsmann didn't sound too concerned after his team's 1-0 victory against Haiti. He chose instead to accentuate the positives, such as the fact his team pitched a shutout despite using a completely new defense from the Honduras match, as well as the play of players like Clint Dempsey and Aron Johannsson.