THE U.S. UNDER-19 MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM KICKED OFF THE 2026 CONCACAF U-20 MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A STRONG WIN AGAINST HAITI IN PUEBLA, MEXICO

The U.S. Under-19 Men’s National Team opened the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Men’s Championship with a 3-0 victory over Haiti on Saturday in Puebla, Mexico, overcoming an early stadium power outage before pulling away with three second-half goals.

Play was halted in the 10th minute after half of the lights at Estadio Universitario BUAP unexpectedly went out, forcing referee Michael Venne to suspend the match for approximately 13 minutes. Both teams remained on the field during the delay before play resumed once power was restored.

The interruption did little to slow the United States, which controlled possession throughout the opening half and finally broke through in the 38th minute.

Midfielder Colin Guske carried the ball up the right flank before delivering a cross to Dino Klapija, who settled the pass inside the penalty area and finished with a right-footed strike into the upper corner to give the Americans a 1-0 lead.

The United States continued to pressure Haiti before halftime, creating several scoring opportunities and forcing multiple VAR reviews inside the penalty area, but none resulted in a penalty. The Americans entered the break leading 1-0.

Haiti responded with a higher press to begin the second half, but goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich and the U.S. back line handled the pressure, limiting Haiti’s opportunities in front of goal.

The match turned in the 61st minute when Nimfasha Berchimas used his speed to get behind Haiti’s defense before finding Dylan Vanney in front of goal. With goalkeeper Carlos Bre off his line, Vanney’s shot was stopped on the goal line by defender Stanley Volcin, who intentionally handled the ball.

Volcin was shown a straight red card, reducing Haiti to 10 players for the remainder of the match. Rubén Ramos converted the ensuing penalty kick in the 62nd minute, sending Bre the wrong direction to double the U.S. advantage.

With the extra man, the United States continued to dictate play and created several dangerous scoring chances as Haiti struggled to contain the attack.

The Americans added a third goal in the 89th minute after substitute Jayden Contreras drew a penalty inside the box. Following a VAR review, Santiago Morales stepped to the spot and calmly converted the penalty kick to seal the 3-0 victory.

The win gives the United States three points to begin Group A play and extends its strong start in the tournament as it pursues a place in the knockout rounds.

The U.S. will return to action Tuesday against El Salvador at Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico.

Match Notes

• Dino Klapija opened the scoring in the 38th minute off an assist from Colin Guske.
• Rubén Ramos converted a penalty kick in the 62nd minute after Haiti’s Stanley Volcin was sent off for denying a goal with a handball.
• Santiago Morales added a second penalty in the 89th minute after Jayden Contreras drew a foul inside the box.
• The match was delayed approximately 13 minutes in the first half due to a stadium lighting failure.

Final Score: United States 3, Haiti 0