MIAMI — Auston Trusty’s goal in the 10th minute of the U.S. men’s national team’s 6-0 win over Haiti meant more than just any typical goal.
And it was why USMNT captain Tyler Adams presented Trusty with the game ball in the locker room at Nu Stadium following the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League. Saturday was Trusty’s first match since the passing of his father, Walt, last month.
The center back called the time around his dad’s death “probably the toughest in my life.”
Trusty had announced his father’s passing in an emotional tribute on Instagram on Oct. 21, and on Saturday, the 28-year-old said that he was “just honored to represent him and play with his last name.”
Trusty dedicated the goal to his father in his post-match interview with TNT and revealed to reporters that he had arrived at the USMNT camp from his father’s funeral in Media, Pa.
“These guys are my family. I’ve known them for a very long time, from the staff to the players,” Trusty said. “So, just coming into a nice, warm environment and very welcoming and very understanding of the situation. We’re all brothers, if I’m hurting inside, they’re hurting as well. So I’m really happy to come back here as a first stop.”
That feeling was evident in the video U.S. Soccer posted on social media on Sunday, showing the moment Adams presented Trusty with the game ball.
In the speech, Adams told Trusty that there are some things that are bigger than soccer.
“I think the federation is obviously behind you, this team is behind you and I just want to recognize you with this,” Adams said.
The USMNT have one more match before the players return to their club teams, when they host Haiti for the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League in Cincinnati.
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