Overview:
Haiti males’s soccer left again Markhus ‘Duke’ Lacroix continued his sturdy type with Colorado Switchbacks within the United Soccer League (USL), aiding in a 3-3 draw days simply 5 days after organising together with his heroic backheel cross to Duckens Nazon for Haiti within the 2026 World Cup qualifying match towards Costa Rica. Lacroix’s imaginative and prescient, passing and ball management stood out once more for his membership, qualities Haiti hopes will bolster its World Cup qualification marketing campaign.
5 days after delivering a stunning backheel help for Duckens Nazon in Haiti’s 3-3 World Cup qualifier towards Costa Rica, Markhus “Duke” Lacroix carried that momentum into his membership play. The 31-year-old defender arrange a purpose in Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s 3-3 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Sept. 13 at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Lacroix, taking part in in midfield, minimize previous an incoming defender and threaded a exact cross by way of visitors to Juan Tejada, who turned and scored within the thirty second minute to chop Tampa’s result in 3-2.
Not one, however two targets for @JuanDavidTejada in simply 32 minutes for @SwitchbacksFC 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ef5xOgTWT1
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 14, 2025
Like his nationwide staff help, Lacroix confirmed imaginative and prescient, fast decision-making and sharp quick passing — qualities that Haiti’s squad will want because it chases a World Cup berth for over 50 years. In contrast to a lot of Haiti’s current fullbacks, identified primarily for bombing up the wings and crossing, Lacroix brings a playmaking aptitude extra paying homage to Brazilian nice Dani Alves. He steadily combines with teammates in tight areas and ventures into the field to ship the ultimate ball.
However Lacroix’s type comes with dangers. His attacking mindset usually leaves gaps in protection. In opposition to Tampa, whereas deployed at heart again, he was caught out of place within the eighth minute, permitting ahead Paul Marie to dribble previous him and rating.
Paul Marie wastes no time placing us on 🔝!#TBRvCOS pic.twitter.com/2AYz5MPtib
— Tampa Bay Rowdies (@TampaBayRowdies) September 13, 2025
Although harmful going ahead, Lacroix should enhance his defensive positioning and restoration runs to cement a beginning position with Haiti. Limiting his ahead bursts may steadiness his recreation.
Lacroix joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in January 2022 after three seasons with Charlotte Independence, additionally within the USL Championship. Earlier than that, he performed within the reactivated North American Soccer League (NASL) and United Soccer League (USL) with Indy Eleven and Reno 1868, constructing a repute as one of many league’s quickest and most versatile fullbacks. Now in his fourth season with Colorado, he has grow to be a veteran presence on the again line.
Colorado presently sits eighth within the USL (United States’ Second Division) Championship’s Western Convention with an 8W-8D-7L document — the final playoff spot. Saturday’s help was Lacroix’s first of the 2025 season in 15 matches. He has but to attain.
For Haiti, Lacroix—born in New Jersey to Haitian mother and father—has collected two targets and one help in 10 appearances. He was first known as as much as the nationwide staff in June 2023 however didn’t be a part of till a yr later—June 2024—and has since grow to be an everyday. Nonetheless, he faces competitors at left again from Martin Expérience, who performs in France’s Ligue 2 with AS Nancy Lorraine. Expérience, sidelined with damage throughout September’s qualifiers, is extra balanced defensively and will reclaim the place as soon as wholesome.
For now, Lacroix’s creativity and composure on the ball proceed to present Haiti new choices — so long as his defensive lapses don’t outweigh his offensive spark.