United States forward Malik Tillman (17) scores Trinidad and Tobago defender Justin Garcia (5) and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, bottom, during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in San Jose, Calif., Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) AP

The midfield duo played a part in each of the USMNT's first three goals, all in the first half, as they make their case not only for a spot on the 2026 World Cup but perhaps a place in the starting lineup — even when Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are back in the mix.