MIAMI – Not for the first time this fall, Auston Trusty found himself lost in emotions. This time, though, it was a wave of positivity and fighting spirit.
The center back had just opened the scoring for the United States in his fist match for the national team since the death of his father, Walt, in late October. Trusty had planned an on-field dedication or symbol of memory if he were to score. Instead, he was swept up in the moment of silencing the pro-Haiti crowd.
"I did the good ol' 'this'," Trusty said, cupping his hands to his ears. "In the beginning of the game, they were loud and had a chance and thought they had something. So, just me being competitive. When I was running back, I said, 'Dang, why didn't I do something?'"
Auston Trusty
finishes the set piece to give USMNT the early lead 👊 pic.twitter.com/cvcUlv14T9
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 14, 2026
But the impact of his father still was felt and honored, with Trusty not only sharing memories of his dad after the game but also getting the game ball from captain Tyler Adams.
"There's some things bigger than soccer, man. The way you played tonight, obviously getting the goal. It just means a lot I think the federation is behind you. This team is behind you, and I just want to recognize you with this," Adams told Trusty in the locker room.
In his first game since losing his father, Auston Trusty delivered a special performance with a goal and a clean sheet.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@usmnt.ussoccer.com) 2026-11-15T17:17:19.829Z
The 28-year-old traveled to join U.S. camp directly after his father's funeral. Being back with U.S. teammates he grew up with gave Trusty a chance to feel at home, he said, knowing that his teammates care about how he's doing as a human and not just as a center back.
"These guys are my family. I've known it for a very long time, from the staff to the players," he said. "Coming into a nice warm environment, very welcoming and very understanding of the situation. They're all brothers. If I'm hurting inside, they're hurting as well."
Trusty was able to manage his emotions and put in a strong performance, not only scoring but helping the U.S. keep a clean sheet against a skilled Haiti attack.
It is those types of performances, he said, that he hopes to keep turning in as a tribute to his dad.
"The past few weeks have been very, very tough. Probably the toughest of my life losing my father," he said. "But you live for them, you play for them. He was very influential for me growing up and also putting me in this position I'm in today.
"I'm just honored to represent him, play with his last name, and showcase for him to the world what I can do for him in his glory."
While it's difficult to evaluate the U.S. depth chart as manager Mauricio Pochettino prepares to leave for Manchester United, Trusty looks like a good bet to continue getting the chance to put on the U.S. jersey. Crystal Palace center back Chris Richards is a constant in the U.S. back line, but Tim Ream's international retirement means there is competition for a typical starting role.
Trusty started three of the four friendly matches in the September-October international window and came into the fourth as a substitute. He also got time in two of the United States' 2026 World Cup matches, entering as a sub in a group match agianst Australia and starting and scoring in the final group game, a dead rubber against Turkey.
A left-footed defender, he at times slides out to left back, offering the next U.S. coach some versatility.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT defender Auston Trusty honors late father in match vs. Haiti
