Goal and assist Gio Reynamaking its first start since July 2024, headed USA Men's National Team To win 2-1 against Paraguay on Saturday at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Starting with Reyna's header hitting the back of the net in the fourth minute, the USMNT quickly took charge before the South Americans found a response soon after. At the 10th minute Alex Arce He equalized the score with his header and the score became 1-1.
Despite having more possessions and shots in the first half, the USA entered the halftime break with the score remaining.
In the second half, the USMNT continued its attacking efforts. Add-ons Diego Luna And Alex Freemanamong other things, pointed to Mauricio Pochettino chasing the winner. In the 71st minute, Luna's pressure resulted in a pass to Paraguay, leading to Folarin Balogun passed to Reyna before getting it back to make it 2-1.
Under more pressure in the final minutes, the USMNT nearly scored another goal amid a brawl with their opponents in stoppage time and were left with a narrow but satisfying 2–1 victory at the final whistle.
Looking ahead to the ongoing preparations for the World Cup, Pochettino and his American team will end the international break this month with an additional friendly against Uruguay November 18.
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Manager rating out of 10
Mauricio Pochettino, 8 years old – The ever-inventive Pochettino took a chance with yet another new line-up, as Reyna's start demonstrated beautifully and it worked in his favour. The manager's constant messages have been about the team rather than the individual players, which has led to a lot of changes to his starting line-up and we have to give him credit for now. Granted, the midfield looked shaky at times and his squad struggled with physical counter-attacks at times, but the team nonetheless achieved a deserved victory.
Player ratings (0–10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Matt Freeze6 — There wasn't much he could do to stop Arce's close-range header. The rest of the evening was a quiet one for the goalkeeper, who only had three shots on target.
DF Joe Scully7 — Some good measures for young people Bundesliga a defender who has been allowed to move forward. It wasn't a career-defining performance, but it was enough to keep him in the race for a place in the back three.
DF Tim Rome7 — There were a few moments where Ream felt like he lacked pace, however it was a positive night for the defender who stopped a number of attempts and also made some excellent long passes as he advanced.
DF Miles Robinson5 — Lost his target on the Paraguay goal and didn't have to commit the foul that earned him a yellow card. Robinson should be given credit for his important clearances, but he lacked decision-making ability.
MF Max Arfsten8 — Anthony Robinson WHO? Arfsten looks more confident with every passing play, and the assist proved that on Saturday. Can he establish himself as the starter in Robinson's place?
MF Tanner Tessmann7 –Can we give him a 6.5 for not completely blocking his end zone? One way or another, he did a lot of dirty work with his active all-around competition.
MF Christian Roldan6 – He fired a shot on target and participated in the build-up of the attack, but did not fully control the center of midfield. He needs to provide more if he wants to be a starter.
MF Serginho Dest8 — The right-back, who was often criticized for not playing well defensively, did a good job of winning the ball back. As expected, Dest moved forward very actively and delivered a dangerous blow.
AM Gio Reyna9 – What else can you ask? Hoping for the return of an up-and-coming name who had yet to live up to his lofty expectations, Reyna responded with a goal and an assist in his first start in over a year.
AM Brenden Aaronson7 — A quiet start to the game, which then developed into active play in the second half. Played well in midfield and made several breakthrough passes.
FV Folarin Balogun, 8 — Left out for much of the wing-focused game, but after waiting patiently in the second half, Balogun pounced for the winner.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes are not rated)
AM Diego Luna7 — Almost made an assist and forced a turnover that led to the victory.
MF Alex Freeman6 — Limited time for the right-back, who is still behind Dest when it comes to the starting position.
AM Timothy TillmanN/A — Several accurate passes in his cameo.
FV Ricardo PepiN/A – There was a shot from close range, which should have been a direct goal.
MF Aidan MorrisN/A — Provided a couple of clearances and a successful dribble from the bench.
MF Sebastian BerhalterN/A — Limited touches for late substitute.
