Gio Reyna Shines as USMNT Defeats Paraguay in Thrilling Friendly

In a showcase of talent and tenacity, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) triumphed over Paraguay with a 2-1 victory in an international friendly held at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. This match marked Gio Reyna’s first international appearance since March, and he made a significant impact by scoring the opening goal and assisting the second, demonstrating his readiness to contribute under the eye of head coach Mauricio Pochettino as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup.

Reyna Returns to Form

After facing a challenging period filled with injuries and inconsistent club performances—first at Borussia Dortmund and later during his loan at Borussia Monchengladbach—Reyna seized the opportunity presented by the absence of high-profile teammates like Christian Pulisic. His performance against Paraguay is a promising signal of his resurgence. With a quick goal in the fourth minute, Reyna not only lifted his spirits but also ignited the entire squad. Following a corner kick, he showcased his aerial prowess by heading the ball in off the underside of the crossbar, setting the tone for the match.

The Match Dynamics

The opening minutes were electrifying. Just as the U.S. took the lead, Paraguay responded almost immediately, with Alex Arce leveling the match in the 10th minute. A cross from Miguel Almiron found Arce unmarked, allowing him to nod home the equalizer. Despite the shaky defensive moment, the match saw the U.S. dominate possession with 56% and create a good number of opportunities.

Throughout large stretches of the game, though, the players struggled to maintain consistency in the middle third. While the tempo fluctuated, the U.S. made a strong statement at both the start and the finish of the match. Reyna’s assist to Folarin Balogun in the 71st minute was crucial; a deft cutback after exploiting Paraguay’s defensive missteps allowed Balogun to fire from close range, restoring the lead for the U.S.

Key Player Performances

Beyond Reyna’s standout display, other players also made valuable contributions:

• Sergino Dest marked his return to national action, impressing with his attacking runs and defending capabilities.
• Cristian Roldan was vital in midfield, both in the build-up play and in disrupting Paraguayan advancing efforts.

Moreover, Ricardo Pepi made a late-game appearance, nearly sealing a definitive victory with a chance shortly after entering. Despite failing to convert—a missed opportunity that had the crowd holding their breath—his presence is a positive sign for the USMNT forward line as they build chemistry.

Match Incidents and Tensions

The match wasn’t without its drama. In the dying moments, a contentious incident arose after a throw-in led to a benches-clearing fracas, showcasing the intensity of the competition. Paraguay’s Omar Alderete received a red card during the turmoil, though it didn’t change the numerical strength on the field as he was only a bench player.

Statistical Overview

The numbers reflect a well-rounded USMNT performance:

• Shots: Both teams had 8 shots, but the U.S. managed 3 on target compared to Paraguay’s 3.
• Possession: United States held 56% to Paraguay’s 44%.
• Accurate Passes: U.S. completed 487, a testament to their playing style and movement off the ball.
• Fouls: The physicality caught many eyes, resulting in 13 fouls for the U.S. against Paraguay’s 12, with two yellows for each side.

Looking Ahead

As the U.S. continues its preparation for the World Cup in 2026, this friendly against Paraguay serves as a crucial confidence booster. The match not only provided an opportunity for fringe players to step up but also allowed Pochettino to assess his squad under real match conditions—critical for any coach looking to finalize his roster ahead of a major tournament.

The tactical approach and resilience displayed by the players indicate a promising future for the USMNT as they look to integrate talent and experience.