The United States men's national team got their most difficult game for a couple of weeks out of the way in their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener, beating Honduras. Their match against Haiti on Friday should be a bit more straightforward, but it's not a gimme win.
Haiti have been solid in the last few Gold Cups, and drew against the United States back in 2009 -- they would have won that game if not for a 92nd minute wondergoal by Stuart Holden. They didn't advance past the group stage in 2013, but did record a win over Trinidad and Tobago.
Haiti gave Panama a tough game on Tuesday and snagged a point with an 86th minute equalizer by Duckens Nazon. They won't be expecting the same performance against the USMNT, and might even contemplate resting some players ahead of a must-win game against Honduras.
Key player: Clint Dempsey
The United States wouldn't have beaten Honduras in their first game if it wasn't for Dempsey, who scored a couple of not-so-pretty goals off set pieces. Dempsey might be one of the most creative players in the USMNT squad, but he's also the team's best goal-poacher. Don't be surprised if he picks up another garbage goal.
Key matchup: Kyle Beckerman vs. Jeff Louis
Haiti's top player is Louis, their attacking midfielder. He's spent a good chunk of his career playing professionally in France and currently plays regularly for Standard Liege in Belgium. Beckerman didn't do a spectacular job of slowing down Honduras' counter-attacks in the last game, and he (or a replacement) will be expected to do better here.
Match date/time: Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. -- English), UniMas, Univision Deportes (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), BT Sport 2 (U.K.)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go (U.S. -- English), Univision Deportes en vivo (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), BT Sport (U.K.)
Listings via Live Soccer TV.