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<ul><li>Win was needed psychological boost for team</li><li>Praised the USMNT side in a comprehensive victory</li><li>Stressed context despite encouraging performance</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Exactly what the doctor ordered' - Alexi Lalas tempers enthusiasm despite praising USMNT’s dominant Gold Cup victory

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Costa Rica

Former MLS star Alexi Lalas offered measured praise of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-player-ratings-vs-trinidad-and-tobago-rousing-response-from-mauricio-pochettino-s-embattled-side-as-malik-tilman-s-brace-ignites-dominant-5-0-rout-in-gold-cup-opener/blt1fe3f9241a621470" target="_blank">USMNT’s comprehensive 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago</a>. The Americans beat their fellow CONCACAF opponents in the opening game of their 2025 Gold Cup group-stage on Sunday night.Lalas described the dominant win as "exactly what the doctor ordered" for a team that had lost four straight entering the match. He also cautioned fans to take the result "with a grain of salt" given the quality of opposition.“Obviously we are talking a whole lot about this team in the context of all the drama, and the I guess the kind of dysfunction and the criticism and the angst," Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. "Exactly what the doctor ordered. But I think we have to certainly take it with a grain of salt, without pooh-poohing it. A 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, perspective is in order, but there's also an element of ‘sing while you're winning.' "Lalas said the win will at least relieve some of the pressure for the USMNT, while still knowing the competition will get stiffer as the tournament continues."And for this team - and I think for this fan base - right now that hasn't had a lot to smile about, hasn't had a lot to cheer, this was this was nice to see," he said. "And I don't think anybody's getting ahead of themselves when they talk about the competition here because let's be honest, this was not a good opponent in Trinidad and Tobago... The U.S. was a very, very good team, took advantage of all the opportunities that they were given. And so this is a kind of feel good moment."

WHAT HAPPENED

WHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID

This USMNT continue building toward the 2026 World Cup on home soil. While Trinidad and Tobago provided limited resistance compared to the challenges awaiting in that tournament, the confidence gained from converting chances and maintaining defensive discipline cannot be discounted.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Following their 5-0 win, the USMNT face Saudi Arabia on Thursday in Austin, Texas. Following that, they'll face Haiti in their final group stage game on June 22.

WHAT’S NEXT?

'Exactly what the doctor ordered' - Alexi Lalas tempers enthusiasm despite praising USMNT’s dominant Gold Cup victory | Goal.com

Lalas said the U.S. was &quot;a very, very good team&quot; while still cautioning fans to maintain perspective, based on the opponent

&apos;Exactly what the doctor ordered&apos; - Alexi Lalas tempers enthusiasm despite praising USMNT’s dominant Gold Cup victory

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