RECAP: Ten-Man Haiti Holds Trinidad and Tobago to Tense Draw in Gold Cup Clash

 

Written by MAi' Ghen Storm, SFL Writer | Photo credit: Xavier Rosales, SFL Photographer

Houston, Texas - Haiti, playing with ten men for the majority of the match, secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago in a dramatic Concacaf Gold Cup Group D encounter at Shell Energy Stadium on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The result saw both nations earn their first point of the campaign in a match filled with twists and turns.

The turning point of the game came early, in the 39th minute, when Haiti's defender Jean-Kévin Duverne was shown a straight red card for a foul on Trinidadian striker Levi Garcia. This left the Haitians with a significant numerical disadvantage and seemingly an uphill battle for the remainder of the match.

Despite being a man down, Haiti showed incredible resolve and even managed to open the scoring shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, Frantzdy Pierrot found the back of the net with a right-footed shot, assisted by Louicius Don Deedson, to put Haiti surprisingly in front.

Trinidad and Tobago, failing to truly capitalize on their player advantage for much of the game, finally found their equalizer in the 68th minute. Defender Justin Garcia rose highest in the box to connect with a well-delivered free-kick from Kevin Molino, heading past Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide to level the score.

The "Soca Warriors" had a golden opportunity to snatch all three points in the 86th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, substitute Mondy Prunier's spot-kick sailed over the crossbar, much to the relief of the Haitian contingent and the frustration of the Trinidadian side.

Both teams battled fiercely in the closing moments, with chances at either end, but ultimately, neither could find a decisive winner. The final whistle blew, leaving players from both sides exhausted and perhaps a little disappointed not to have secured a victory.

This 1-1 draw leaves Group D finely poised. Trinidad and Tobago will now face Saudi Arabia, while Haiti takes on the formidable United States in their final group stage matches. The resilience shown by Haiti, particularly after being reduced to ten men, will give them confidence, while Trinidad and Tobago will rue their missed opportunities to secure a crucial win.