United States thrashes Haiti 3-0 in U-20 Concacaf debut

The United States asserted its favorite status with a decisive 3-0 victory over Haiti in their Concacaf U-20 Championship debut. The match, held in Puebla, Mexico, saw the U.S. team capitalize on its dominance, particularly in the latter stages of the first half. Dino Klapija opened the scoring in the 38th minute, receiving a cross and firing it into the far corner. The U.S. extended their lead in the second half when Stanley Volcin of Haiti was sent off for a handball on the goal line, resulting in a penalty converted by Rubén Ramos in the 62nd minute. Santiago Morales sealed the win with another penalty in the 89th minute. Despite a slow start and a 10-minute power outage early in the game, the U.S. team controlled the tempo. Haiti had a brief moment of threat early in the second half, but their effort was saved. The expulsion of Volcin significantly impacted the game, leading to the penalty and Haiti playing a man down. The U.S. team, which also includes Cuba and El Salvador in Group A, is competing for berths in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2027 U-20 World Cup. The win sets a strong tone for their campaign in the regional tournament.