Reyna Sparks USMNT's Thrilling 2-1 Comeback Victory Over Paraguay in Gritty Battle
The United States men's national soccer team maintained their undefeated streak at four matches following a 2-1 triumph over Paraguay on Saturday evening.
While Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun will receive the majority of credit for their scoring contributions, this represented another encouraging outcome for a USMNT squad that continues to build genuine momentum. The positive atmosphere from October's training camp persisted despite numerous key player absences including Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and others.
This performance wasn't the most spectacular display, nor a commanding attacking exhibition in terms of scoring opportunities generated. However, it could be characterized as precisely what was needed. Concerns about various positions appear to be getting resolved with each passing match.
Sports Illustrated highlights four key observations from the USMNT's most recent win.
Gio Reyna Makes Statement in USMNT Comeback
Reyna enjoyed a perfect beginning to his first USMNT match since the Concacaf Nations League championship.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder connected with a Max Arfsten delivery using his head and sent it beyond Orlando Gill merely four minutes into the contest. It marked his first goal in 601 days for the USMNT as he sprinted to celebrate at the corner flag.
The Reyna-USMNT drama in recent seasons is widely known, with all attention focused on the midfielder entering this training camp. Reyna delivered an impressive showing amid multiple player absences. He remained busy in the attacking third and consistently sought to find space. Despite limited offensive activity from both sides for most of the second period, Reyna linked up with Balogun for the decisive goal.
He deserves another starting opportunity against Uruguay as competition for 2026 World Cup roster positions intensifies. Should he deliver a strong performance against the team that eliminated the USMNT from last summer's Copa América, Pochettino may begin considering Reyna a lock for 2026.
Max Arfsten the Greatest Winner Under Pochettino's USMNT Leadership?
Antonee Robinson, in many opinions, should be a guaranteed starter for the World Cup. Arfsten, though, is applying significant pressure on the left-back not just for playing time, but potentially the starting position.
The Columbus Crew graduate featured prominently during the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer, appearing uncertain defensively at times in a four-man backline. The transition to a 3-4-3 system has enabled Arfsten to advance higher up the field and become a danger in the attacking zone. He was arguably the standout performer on Saturday evening, displaying creativity whenever he touched the ball.
Pochettino even stated before the match that Arfsten, together with Alex Freeman and Matt Freese, was comparable to Robinson's level.
If Pochettino maintained a four-defender setup, Arfsten would likely be limited to a substitute role. With three center-backs, the wing-back has a genuine opportunity to start matches on American soil next summer.
Folarin Balogun Secures Starting Forward Position
Balogun received significant acclaim for his display against Ecuador in October. The Monaco forward was essentially isolated throughout the entire match to retain possession and performed admirably. Balogun ultimately netted the tying goal that evening. He entered as a substitute versus Australia as Pochettino wanted to evaluate the impressive Haji Wright.
Balogun received limited service during most of the contest, but his determination never diminished. The USMNT primarily operated through their wing-backs and wide creators as penetrating passes and threatening crosses were difficult to achieve. When presented with a significant opportunity, Balogun executed flawlessly in front of goal.
The forward combined with Reyna in the second half, demonstrating his hold-up abilities once more. After distributing to the creative midfielder, he rushed into the penalty area awaiting the return pass. The cross may have deflected en route, but Balogun remained calm and struck a shot with his left foot past Gill.
The quest for a number 9 has been lengthy, but Balogun eliminated any lingering doubts tonight.
The USMNT Display Fighting Spirit Again
While this squad endured a frustrating group stage elimination in the 2024 Copa América, supporters looked to Pochettino to rebuild confidence and passion.
Fans minimally expect players to battle for the crest on their jersey front. Victory remains the objective, but demonstrating character is essential. For every positive result against nations like Costa Rica and Jamaica, there were crushing defeats to Switzerland, Mexico and Canada.
Following their loss to South Korea in September, the USMNT has maintained a four-match unbeaten run. The on-field quality has enhanced since adopting a 3-4-3 formation, but crucially players are competing for the badge as demonstrated by tonight's triumph. Particularly evident in the altercation that concluded the evening.
Freeman and Gustavo Gómez grappled for possession late as emotions escalated. Both Sebastian Berhalter and Miles Robinson quickly supported their teammate as both benches emptied and fists flew. Only one red card was issued to unused Paraguay defender Omar Alderete, but supporters will appreciate seeing players defending each other.