Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti are staring down the barrel of a premature Concacaf Gold Cup exit after they played out a 1-1 stalemate in their Group D showdown at the Shell Energy Stadium on Thursday night.

The result leaves both Caribbean nations with just a point apiece, sitting third and fourth in the standings, while the United States sealed a spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The Americans lead the group with six points, followed by the Saudis with three points.

It means Trinidad and Tobago must defeat Saudi Arabia on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to have any hopes of advancing. For Haiti, the road is even tougher, as they must pull off a stunning upset over the in-form Americans at AT&T Stadium in Dallas to stay alive.

Thursday’s contest between the two Caribbean sides was a tense, evenly matched affair, as both teams squandered opportunities to snatch all three points.

United States scorer Chris Richards celebrates. (Photos: Concacaf Media)

Haiti, who were reduced to 10 men in the 39th minute when Jean-Kévin Duverne was shown a straight red card, took the lead early in the second half. Striker Frantzdy Pierrot broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when he finished a right-footer after being teed up by Louicius Don Deedson just outside the penalty area.

But Trinidad and Tobago rallied and drew level in the 68th. A pinpoint free kick delivery from Kevin Molino found the towering Justin Garcia, who rose highest in the box to nod home the equalizer and give the Soca Warriors a lifeline.

The momentum swung firmly in Haiti's favour late in the game when they earned a golden opportunity to steal victory from the penalty spot in the 86th minute. However, Mondy Prunier stepped up and fired the effort high over the crossbar.

Meanwhile, in Austin, the United States edged Saudi Arabia thanks to a 63rd-minute goal from defender Chris Richards, who slotted home a left-footed finish from close range after a well-taken free kick by Sebastian Berhalter.

Richards, who had earlier made a crucial block to deny Abdulrahman Al Obud in the 31st minute, turned hero on both ends of the pitch as the United States goalkeeper Matt Freese made one key save to secure a second consecutive clean sheet.