Imagine the immense pressure weighing on Gio Reyna’s shoulders as he takes the field – the prodigal talent making a dazzling return to remind everyone why he could be a game-changer at next year’s World Cup!
Mauricio Pochettino decided to take a calculated risk by including Reyna in the lineup, and the midfielder repaid that faith with an outstanding display that earned him the title of Man of the Match, helping the USMNT kick off their November training camp with a victory.
CHESTER, Pa. – Let’s face it, Gio Reyna isn’t just feeling some standard expectations; the stakes for him are sky-high, particularly after an extended period sidelined from action. Fans and coaches alike know what’s riding on this for him – proof that he belongs in the squad for the World Cup in the summer. And it didn’t take long for him to deliver a statement. Just four minutes into the match, he provided the game’s standout moment, scoring the opener that propelled the United States to a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Paraguay at Subaru Park. But here’s where it gets intriguing: was this just a fluke, or a sign of things to come?
That early goal from Reyna must have been incredibly satisfying for the frequently debated midfielder. Set up by a precise cross from Max Arfsten, Reyna executed perfectly with a header – slamming the ball off the crossbar and into the net – effectively energizing both his own performance and the team’s overall momentum for the day.
“It wasn’t flawless, but I’m genuinely thrilled to be back out there with this squad and coaching staff,” Reyna shared with Turner Sports post-match. “This was actually my very first header in a professional game. I’ve been practicing that skill intensively at my club, Borussia Mönchengladbach, since I’m on the taller side and have a decent jumping ability. It’s all about getting the timing and technique right. And now, it’s really paying dividends.” For newcomers to soccer, a header is when a player uses their head to direct the ball towards the goal, often requiring precise jumping and positioning to avoid defenders – think of it as a high-stakes aerial ballet!
Paraguay didn’t let that early setback derail them, quickly responding with an equalizer just ten minutes later. They capitalized on some sloppy U.S. defense, with veteran forward Alex Arce (aged 30) finishing off a pass from Miguel Almiron after a series of mistakes by the American backline. From that point, the U.S. regrouped and steadied themselves, eventually securing the win deep into the second half through a goal from their reliable striker, Folarin Balogun – who now has three goals in his last three appearances for the national team.
Reyna played a key role in that late winner too, even if he won’t officially get the assist credit. His delivery bounced off a Paraguayan defender right to Balogun, who slotted it home effortlessly. Reyna also spoke about the strong bond he’s built off the pitch with the U.S. forward.
“We both have that versatility – we can adapt to various roles on the field,” Reyna elaborated. “We focus on bonding during training sessions and being straightforward with each other. Honest communication is key for us. We share a fantastic connection, both on and off the pitch, which helps with things like quick eye contact or subtle cues that we’ve learned to read. Playing alongside him simplifies things for me, and I aim to support him in return.” This kind of chemistry is crucial in team sports; it’s like having an unspoken language that makes plays flow more naturally, reducing errors and boosting confidence – a real asset for any squad aiming for international success.
This marked another triumph for the United States, extending their unbeaten run to four matches, with three wins in that span. Even with a noticeably depleted roster filled with reserves, Saturday’s result added to their recent successes. Yet, the true headline isn’t merely the scoreboard; it’s Reyna himself. His impact on Saturday serves as a powerful reminder that he has the potential to swing big games when the World Cup arrives next summer. And this is the part most people miss: while his talent shines, could his inconsistent form from injuries be a red flag, or is this the breakthrough we needed?
But let’s stir the pot a bit – what if some critics argue that Reyna’s spotlight comes at the expense of younger, more reliable talents who have been grinding without the same hype? Is the pressure of stardom helping or hindering his development?
GOAL evaluates the USMNT players’ performances from the Subaru Park clash…
Do you believe Gio Reyna has earned his place in the World Cup squad this time around, or should he prove himself more consistently? And what about those defensive hiccups against Paraguay – are they a minor setback, or a major concern Pochettino needs to tackle head-on? We’d love to hear your opinions – agree, disagree, or share your own take in the comments below!