It could be Malik Tillman time in STL on July 2
Malik Tillman has a chance to set the international soccer world afire in St. Louis on July 2.
Tillman, 23, and the United States Men’s National Team topped Haiti 2-1 on Sunday in a Gold Cup tournament game on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas to remain undefeated at 3-0.
The Gold Cup features 16 national teams from a region which includes America, and Saudia Arabia.
Tillman gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead early in the victory, which moved his team into a quarterfinal game against Coast Rica in Minneapolis on Sunday June 29.
Should the U.S. win, Tillman and his team will play in a semifinal game on July 2 at Energizer Park, home of the MLS St. Louis CITY SC franchise.
Tillman had chances to tally other goals in the Haiti contest, something that was not lost on the budding star.
“To be honest, I get frustrated I don’t know if [the media] can see it. I try to keep it more inside of me and not show it,” he said following the game.
“I’m frustrated, even still now; quite disappointed not to score one more. It’s always about looking forward and looking for the next action. Don’t stick to the past too much.”
Midway through the game’s second half, Tillman had a goal disallowed after officials ruled that he touched the ball with his arm. Minutes later, Tillman netted another shot, but he was called offside.
Tillman, who was born to a German mother and African American father, learned the game in Germany and became a youth star while training with the Bayern Munich Academy.
Tillman, who recorded three goals in the Gold Cup opening rounds, could bring a skill level sorely needed by the U.S. as it prepares for the World Cup competition.
The World Cup will be underway a year from now in North America with some games destined for Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.
Bleacher Report soccer scribe Jon Arnold wrote following the Haiti game that USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has watched Tillman “go from a likely roster inclusion to a locked-in starter for the 2026 World Cup all in just three Gold Cup group-stage matches.”
“Malik, it is difficult to define him,” Pochettino said.
“What a player that is showing all of his talent and capacity. What a talented player. He started to find himself. When he can show it, it is welcome. The team is much better when he is involved in the game.”
While Tillman has become a sought-after club player with the PSV team in Germany, he told the New York Times in June he was not happy with his international effort.
“I’ve been struggling a lot for the U.S. team, so for me, it’s about showing the real me,” said Tillman.
“Showing the people here what I can do. Because I know I have a lot of qualities, and I know I’m a good player.”
Let’s hope Tillman can show St. Louis his magical soccer talent.
The Reid Roundup
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