-
Jeff Carlisle
CHESTER, Pennsylvania — After 503 days without a start for the U.S. men’s national team and 602 days since his last goal, Gio Reyna finally broke the drought on a chilly evening outside Philadelphia. He netted a goal and contributed to the team’s efforts in a 2-1 friendly victory over Paraguay.
This performance is crucial for Reyna as he aims for a spot in his second consecutive World Cup lineup. His scoring ability seemed unexpected, given he’s only played 147 minutes for club team Borussia Mönchengladbach this season.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino informed Reyna during training that he would start, and Reyna quickly made his presence known during the match.
– Player ratings: Reyna shines with a 9/10 return
– Mitigating Jet Lag: Travel Kits and More
– Roldan’s Journey from Afterthought to Favorite
In the match’s fourth minute, a scramble from a U.S. corner allowed Max Arfsten to find Reyna, who scored with a header. Reyna also played a pivotal role for the U.S. in the 75th minute when his assist to Folarin Balogun led to the game-winning goal.
With this goal, Reyna made it nine international goals, surpassing his father Claudio on the U.S. national team’s all-time scoring list, earning him some family bragging rights.
“Honestly, I had no idea,” Reyna admitted about surpassing his father. “I was just excited to score and be back. I jokingly teased him a bit after the match, but he was happy for me, which is nice.”
Reyna did have a few missteps; he didn’t close down Paraguay defender Júnior Alonso, allowing for Paraguay’s equalizer from Alex Arce shortly after. Nonetheless, such errors were minimal, as Reyna remained active and connected with teammates throughout the match, logging his longest outing since December 2024.
His lack of playing time with Gladbach has been attributed to a thigh injury and his adjustment to a new club. However, he credited Gladbach’s coaching staff for supporting his return to form. He believes he is now at 85% fitness and looks forward to further improvement.
“I’ve been recovering from a slight injury recently, but the staff here has been incredible in helping me regain my fitness,” Reyna said. “I expect to start more regularly moving forward. They’ve really supported me and pushed me to be ready for this challenge.”
While Reyna’s future with the team remains uncertain, he recognizes the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. With only 208 days until the World Cup, he is focused on making a strong case for selection.
Pochettino acknowledged Reyna’s efforts but noted the need for continued improvement due to limited club play. “He showcased his abilities today with a goal and assist, demonstrating his understanding of the game and ability to exploit spaces,” Pochettino remarked. “He proved to be a handful for Paraguay.”
The U.S. team showed collective strength, adapting well despite missing multiple key players. Their aggressive style of play put pressure on Paraguay, contrasting with a previous loss experienced in the Copa America against Uruguay.
Players like Tanner Tessmann and Brenden Aaronson contributed significantly to the U.S. strategy, with Luna’s pressing leading to the game-winning goal.
Veteran defender Tim Ream emphasized the importance of a strong start to matches, contributing to a renewed mentality within the team. The U.S. players displayed their commitment to one another, as evidenced by their spirited defense during a late-game altercation.
“There were some cheap shots from their side,” commented goalkeeper Matt Freese. “But as a team, we stand by each other regardless of the situation.”
The U.S. remains unbeaten in its last four matches, gaining momentum and cohesion under Pochettino’s guidance. The team is adapting to his strategies and gaining confidence as they prepare for the World Cup.
“We’re pleased but recognize we must keep improving,” stated Pochettino. “It’s essential that we peak at the World Cup, focusing on teamwork and a collective effort.”
With Uruguay next on the schedule, Reyna is eager to demonstrate his readiness and secure his place moving forward.