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For a long time, Gio Reyna has been chasing consistent playing time and goals. It appears he may have finally found both in France with Ligue 1 side Racing Strasbourg.
After losing his place at Borussia Dortmund and struggling to make an impact at Nottingham Forest and Borussia Mönchengladbach, the 23-year-old is now showing flashes of his best form in his early appearances for Strasbourg.
On Sunday, the New York City FC academy product netted his first league goal of the season, contributing to a commanding 6–2 victory over Troyes — the club's second consecutive win following last week's 2–1 triumph over Lens. It was actually Reyna's second goal contribution for his new side, having set up Strasbourg's equalizer in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle the previous month.
For Reyna, however, the priority is securing regular minutes and building on an impressive showing with the U.S. men's national team at this summer's World Cup, where the midfielder/winger appeared in all five matches and scored in the group stage opener. He has earned the confidence of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino — something he'll be eager to maintain.
After coming off the bench for 21 minutes in the season-opening defeat to Marseille, Reyna has started both subsequent victories, logging 76 minutes against Lens before playing 62 minutes in the win over Troyes.
GIO REYNA IS BACK 🇺🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/dHHBCmO68e
Beyond his 57th-minute strike, Reyna was dynamic and inventive across the entire pitch, ranking among Strasbourg's standout performers in the dominant display. He also made a notable defensive contribution, recording six ball recoveries during his time on the field.
It's early days, but this could signal a new chapter in Reyna's career. His output is already proving more reliable compared to the brief bright spells of previous seasons, all while he continues to test himself in a top European competition.
"I just try to be myself every day, try to bring my experience on the pitch and in training as well, and I try to help the younger players," he said before the match, despite being just 23 himself.
"I'm still learning too. I've only been here a few games, but the quality has genuinely caught me off guard. I knew it would be a strong league, but the first two games of the season ... It was very quick, high intensity, with a lot of pacey wingers and attacking play at a very high tempo.
"The league has pleasantly surprised me. The standard has been very, very high, and I've quickly realized that no game in this league is going to be straightforward."
Reyna's USMNT Push Continues
While appearing in every World Cup match this summer demonstrated Pochettino's belief in Reyna's abilities, the new four-year cycle building toward the 2030 World Cup will demand considerably more from the American, who can no longer rely purely on unfulfilled potential.
He understands what it takes to reach that level, having now been part of two World Cup squads (2022 and 2026). There is optimism that he can establish himself as a key figure for the USMNT, after spending much of the past two years on the periphery — and missing an extended period before that due to significant internal controversy.
That's why he chose to remain in Europe, despite reported interest from Major League Soccer, where he could likely have commanded higher wages as a marquee Designated Player.
His next opportunity to get on the scoresheet comes in Strasbourg's upcoming fixture against AS Monaco, a match that could see USMNT striker Folarin Balogun return to action following his unsuccessful transfer to Everton. Later in the month, the pair could reunite on home soil as Pochettino puts together a squad for four friendlies against Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Canada.