UPDATE: Gio Reyna has made an emphatic return to the USMNT, scoring in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Paraguay, marking the end of a 602-day goal drought. This stellar performance comes just 208 days before the World Cup, intensifying his push for a roster spot.
On a brisk evening outside of Philadelphia, Reyna’s goal not only secured the win but also elevated him past his father, Claudio Reyna, on the USMNT’s all-time scoring list. “I didn’t even know how many goals I had, so I was just happy to score,” Gio shared. “I sent a few texts teasing him after the game.”
After limited playing time with his club, Gladbach, Reyna was eager to make an impact. USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Reyna’s starting position just days before the match, and he did not disappoint. His first-half goal was instrumental, and he contributed to the game-winning goal in the 75th minute.
Prior to this match, Reyna had only logged 147 minutes on the pitch with Gladbach, making his performance even more significant. He acknowledged the club’s support in his recovery from injury, stating, “I feel really, really good, feel valued, feel important, feel ready to go.”
The USMNT showcased resilience, maintaining an unbeaten streak across their last four matches. The team’s aggressive style, which has become a hallmark under Pochettino, was evident as they pressed Paraguay relentlessly.
In a match filled with intense moments, including a bench-clearing scuffle, the USMNT proved they are not backing down from any challenge. “We’re here to fight, we’re here to play, we’re here to win,” said defender Tim Ream.
As the clock ticks down to the World Cup, Reyna’s future remains uncertain with competition for spots heating up. Other key players were absent from this match due to injuries, heightening the stakes for Reyna to prove his worth consistently.
Pochettino emphasized the need for Reyna to secure more playing time at the club level, stating, “We can see today that he was great—scored and assisted.” With the spotlight now on him, Reyna knows the importance of this opportunity.
Looking ahead, the USMNT is set to face more formidable opponents in their preparation for the World Cup. Reyna is determined to continue proving himself and solidify his place in the squad.
Stay tuned for more updates as the USMNT gears up for their next challenges!
