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WATCH: Sam Vines’ goal stands as winner for U.S. over Haiti

Jul 11, 2021; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; United States defender Sam Vines (3) scores a goal as Haiti defender Carlens Arcus (2) defends in the first half during a CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage soccer match at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Vines scored his first international goal in the eighth minute and Matt Turner made it stand with three saves when the U.S. men’s national team defeated Haiti 1-0 in their first Group B match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Kansas City, Kansas, on Sunday.

Vines, who plays for the Colorado Rapids of MLS, made a run to the back post and was in position for the pass off the foot of the Columbus Crew’s Gyasi Zardes for a header in his fourth match.

The assist by Zardes was his 10th in a U.S. uniform. Combined with his 12 goals, he came the second-fastest American male (57 games) to reach double figures in those categories. Landon Donovan accomplished double-double in his 50th game on June 13, 2004.

Group B continues on Thursday in Kansas City when the U.S. plays Martinique while Canada faces Haiti. Canada defeated Martinique 4-1 earlier Sunday. The top two teams from the four groups advance to the quarterfinals on July 24 and 25.

Haiti, which was absent several players because of COVID-19 issues, had two good chances in the first half on Turner (New England Revolution) from Crew forward Derrick Etienne Jr. but each attempt was off target.

At the other end, Brian Sylvestre twice stopped headers by Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) in the first half.

A highlight for the fans at Children’s Mercy Park was Gianluca Busio, 19, of Sporting KC making his U.S. debut. He forced a save by Sylvestre on a long volley in the 76th minute.

It was one of the few quality attempts for the U.S. in the second half against Sylvestre (four saves).

Defender James Sands and midfielder Eryk Williamson also made their debuts in the second half.

U.S. forward Paul Arriola left in the 14th minute with tightness in his right hamstring.

A moment of silence was held before the match to acknowledge the death of Haitian president Jovenel Moise, who was assassinated on Wednesday.

— Field Level Media

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