Pochettino's USMNT Storms Into Gold Cup Final With Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Guatemala
The United States men's national soccer team claimed a 2-1 triumph over Guatemala at Energizer Park, earning their place in the Gold Cup championship match.
Following their dramatic penalty shootout victory against Costa Rica just three days prior, the USMNT returned to the pitch to face Guatemala. Under Mauricio Pochettino's guidance, the Americans enjoyed an excellent opening when Diego Luna scored within the first four minutes of the Gold Cup semifinal.
Luca de la Torre attempted a shot from outside the penalty area, which forced goalkeeper Kénderson Navarro into action. The keeper's save fell directly to Luna, who confidently converted the opening goal for the United States. The Real Salt Lake attacker doubled his tally just 11 minutes afterward with an impressive display of individual brilliance.
Guatemala briefly thought they had reduced the deficit in the 29th minute, but their celebration was cut short by an offside call. The Central American side maintained intense pressure throughout the remainder of the first half, creating some anxious moments for Matt Freese and the American defense, yet the Stars and Stripes remained resolute and entered halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
Patrick Agyemang was presented with two excellent chances to extend the USMNT's advantage in the second period, but the forward failed to capitalize, showing poor execution in crucial areas. Nevertheless, the Americans maintained their dominance until conceding in the 80th minute. A defensive breakdown from Pochettino's backline allowed Olger Escobar to register Guatemala's consolation goal.
Despite the late strike, Guatemala's effort proved insufficient to derail the USMNT's evening in St. Louis. The United States successfully saw out the victory and progressed to the Gold Cup final, where they await the winner between Mexico and Honduras.
Review the individual player assessments from the contest below.
USMNT Player Ratings vs. Guatemala (4-2-3-1)
Ratings Provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Matt Freese | 7.9 |
RB: Alex Freeman | 7.1 |
CB: Chris Richards | 7.2 |
CB: Tim Ream | 7.6 |
LB: Max Arfsten | 7.1 |
DM: Tyler Adams | 7.3 |
DM: Luca de la Torre | 6.4 |
RW: Sebastian Berhalter | 7 |
AM: Malik Tillman | 8 |
LW: Diego Luna | 9 |
ST: Patrick Agyemang | 7.1 |
SUB: Brenden Aaronson (58' for De la Torre) | 6.2 |
SUB: John Tolkin (77' for Luna) | 6.4 |
SUB: Jack McGlynn (77' for Adams) | 6.3 |
SUB: Walker Zimmerman (85' for Arfsten) | N/A |
SUB: Damion Downs (85' for Agyemang) | N/A |
Guatemala Player Ratings vs. USMNT (4-4-2)
Ratings Provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Kénderson Navarro | 6.9 |
RB: Aaron Herrera | 7 |
CB: José Manuel Pinto | 6.4 |
CB: Nicolas Samayoa | 6.4 |
LB: José Luis Morales | 6.9 |
RM: Oscar Santis | 6.7 |
CM: Stheven Robles | 5.9 |
CM: Rudy Muñoz | 5.5 |
RW: Pedro Altán | 6.5 |
ST: Rubio Rubin | 6.8 |
ST: José Rosales | 6.5 |
SUB: Jonathan Franco (65' for Robles) | 6.2 |
SUB: Óscar Castellanos (65' for Rosales) | 5.9 |
SUB: Olger Escobar (65' for Muñoz) | 7.4 |
SUB: Darwin Lom (70' for Rubin) | 6 |
SUB: Arquímides Ordóñez (70' for Altán) | 7.4 |
Player of the Match: