Reyna's Triumphant Return Sparks USMNT Victory
In a compelling international friendly that could significantly influence World Cup preparations, Gio Reyna made a spectacular return to the United States men's national team, scoring within four minutes of his comeback appearance. The Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder headed home decisively during Saturday's match against Paraguay, contributing substantially to the 2-1 victory that delighted fans outside Philadelphia.
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone
The match began with immediate drama as Reyna connected perfectly with Max Arfsten's cross in the fourth minute, directing a cushioned header that bounced off the crossbar and crossed the line. The early goal marked a poignant moment for the attacking midfielder, who has faced considerable challenges since the 2022 World Cup. Rather than celebrating extravagantly, Reyna pointed to the US badge and acknowledged his teammates before quickly returning to business.
This performance represented Reyna's most substantial playing time since the United States' 2-1 defeat to Uruguay in the 2024 Copa América, a loss that ultimately ended Gregg Berhalter's tenure as coach. Manager Mauricio Pochettino had specifically called up Reyna for this window, recognising it as one of the final opportunities to assess his integration before World Cup roster decisions intensify.
Defensive Adjustments and Paraguay's Response
The American squad continued adapting to their three-man backline formation, which has brought them considerable success throughout 2025. The defensive unit featured Borussia Mönchengladbach teammate Joe Scally in a new role as right centre-back, though the arrangement shifted to a back four when out of possession.
Paraguay managed to equalise in the tenth minute when Alex Arce capitalised on defensive spacing issues, finishing comfortably from the penalty spot after a simple long ball exposed gaps in the American defence. The first half saw occasional possession problems, with several defenders nearly caught by Paraguayan pressure, though the team generally defended solidly despite these minor lapses.
Reyna Creates Decisive Moment
The match's turning point came when Reyna demonstrated his creative vision, combining effectively with Folarin Balogun before delivering a low cross that deflected off Paraguayan defenders and found Balogun for the straightforward finish. Reyna's clear celebration – pumping his arm as Balogun sprinted away – underscored the significance of the moment for both player and team.
Reyna's 75-minute appearance stands as his longest since the Copa América elimination, offering encouraging signs about his fitness and integration within Pochettino's system. The performance suggests he could become a crucial attacking option as World Cup preparations intensify, potentially raising the team's offensive ceiling significantly.
The United States continues their preparations with another challenging friendly against Uruguay on Tuesday in Tampa, Florida, providing another opportunity to assess progress against quality opposition. With Reyna apparently happy, healthy, and comfortable within the squad setup, American supporters have legitimate reasons for optimism as the countdown to hosting the World Cup continues.
