Malik Tillman is quickly becoming the biggest winner of the U.S. men’s national team’s June window.
Tillman scored the opening goal for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in Sunday’s 2-1 CONCACAF Gold Cup draw with Haiti. The PSV midfielder celebrated his third goal of the competition, earning SBI USMNT Man of the Match honors.
Not known for his aerial abilities, Tillman delivered with his head in the opening 10 minutes. Brenden Aaronson’s cross from the left side of the Haiti box was finished off by Tillman into the bottom-left corner.
Although Tillman didn’t add to his total on the night, he did come close on several occasions. A handball waived off Tillman’s go-ahead goal in the 64th minute before the 23-year-old was whistled once again three minutes later despite a clinical finish into the bottom-left corner.
Patrick Agyemang would deliver the USMNT’s eventual winning goal, netting his second goal of the tournament.
Tillman finished the match with eight duels won, two tackles completed, and three dribbles completed which were all match-highs among all players.
Tillman edged Aaronson, Quinn Sullivan, Agyemang, and Alex Freeman for Player of the Match honors.
What did you think of Tillman’s performance? Do you seem him adding to his goal total by tournament’s end? Are you hoping to see Tillman involved in USMNT camps later this year?
Share your thoughts below.
Would have liked to see Tillman not play every single minute in the first three games. I’m not sure anyone can step up into his place. These games were easy, now comes the harder test. Hope he can keep those legs going.
They don’t play again until next Sunday. I think that is why several players played the full time tonight.