Overview:

Haiti men’s soccer left back Markhus ‘Duke’ Lacroix continued his strong form with Colorado Switchbacks in the United Soccer League (USL), assisting in a 3-3 draw days just five days after setting up with his heroic backheel pass to Duckens Nazon for Haiti in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Costa Rica. Lacroix’s vision, passing and ball control stood out again for his club, qualities Haiti hopes will bolster its World Cup qualification campaign.

Five days after delivering a dazzling backheel assist for Duckens Nazon in Haiti’s 3-3 World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, Markhus “Duke” Lacroix carried that momentum into his club play. The 31-year-old defender set up a goal 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, playing in midfield, cut past an incoming defender and threaded a precise pass through traffic to Juan Tejada, who turned and scored in the 32nd minute to cut Tampa’s lead to 3-2.

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Not one, but two goals for @JuanDavidTejada in just 32 minutes for @SwitchbacksFC 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ef5xOgTWT1

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 14, 2025

Like his national team assist, Lacroix showed vision, quick decision-making and sharp short passing — qualities that Haiti’s squad will need as it chases a World Cup berth for over 50 years. Unlike many of Haiti’s recent fullbacks, known primarily for bombing up the wings and crossing, Lacroix brings a playmaking flair more reminiscent of Brazilian great Dani Alves. He frequently combines with teammates in tight spaces and ventures into the box to deliver the final ball.

But Lacroix’s style comes with risks. His attacking mindset often leaves gaps in defense. Against Tampa, while deployed at center back, he was caught out of position in the eighth minute, allowing forward Paul Marie to dribble past him and score.

Paul Marie wastes no time putting us on 🔝!#TBRvCOS pic.twitter.com/2AYz5MPtib

— Tampa Bay Rowdies (@TampaBayRowdies) September 13, 2025

Though dangerous going forward, Lacroix must improve his defensive positioning and recovery runs to cement a starting role with Haiti. Limiting his forward bursts could balance his game.

Lacroix joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in January 2022 after three seasons with Charlotte Independence, also in the USL Championship. Before that, he played in the NASL and USL with Indy Eleven and Reno 1868, building a reputation as one of the league’s fastest and most versatile fullbacks. Now in his fourth season with Colorado, he has become a veteran presence on the back line.

Colorado currently sits eighth in the United Soccer League (USL, United States’ Second Division) Championship’s Western Conference with an 8W-8D-7L record — the last playoff spot. Saturday’s assist was Lacroix’s first of the 2025 season in 15 matches. He has yet to score.

For Haiti, Lacroix—born in  New Jersey to Haitian parents—has collected two goals and one assist in 10 appearances. He first called up the national team in June 2023, but did not join until a year later—June 2024— and has since become a regular. Still, he faces competition at left back from Martin Expérience, who plays in France’s Ligue 2 with AS Nancy Lorraine. Expérience, sidelined with injury during September’s qualifiers, is more balanced defensively and could reclaim the position once healthy.

For now, Lacroix’s creativity and composure on the ball continue to give Haiti new options — as long as his defensive lapses don’t outweigh his offensive spark.

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