USMNT's Comeback Hero Dazzles in Dominant Display Against Paraguay

The United States men's national soccer team secured a 2–1 victory over Paraguay at Subaru Park, marking an encouraging beginning to their November international window.

The spotlight fell on Gio Reyna, making his first starting appearance since the 2024 Copa América. The gifted playmaker found the net with the opening goal just four minutes into the match. His maiden headed strike for both club and country was swiftly canceled out as Paraguay equalized through Álex Arce.

A quieter second period gained momentum when Reyna linked up with Folarin Balogun to deliver the match-deciding goal.

Though labeled as a friendly encounter, the contest remained highly competitive with early tensions between both teams. Emotions reached a boiling point near full-time when a confrontation between Alex Freeman and Gustavo Gomez over possession led to both benches emptying onto the field.

In summary, this was a display that Mauricio Pochettino can take pride in considering the commitment demonstrated. This USMNT squad possesses character and determination.

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USMNT Player Ratings vs. Paraguay (3-4-3)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob

GK: Matt Freese—6.2: The New York City FC goalkeeper had no chance on the conceded goal. Beyond that moment, he experienced a relatively peaceful evening. He was called upon for two stops in the latter half.

CB: Joe Scally—7.3: A reliable performance at right center-back during Scally's comeback. Given the quality available ahead of him as a wing-back, Scally will likely compete for playing time in the three-man defense.

CB: Miles Robinson—7.4: Failed to track Arce's movement for the first-half equalizer. Didn't provide the same commanding presence that Chris Richards typically brings to this position, but maintained possession effectively.

CB: Tim Ream (c)—7.5: Apart from the opening goal, the experienced defender remained composed at the back.

RM: Sergiño Dest—6.5: Showed energy in attack but lacked the final touch needed to create significant opportunities. A reasonable display for the PSV fullback in this advanced position.

CM: Tanner Tessmann—7.5: An impressive outing from the Lyon central midfielder. Tessmann appears to be a genuine candidate for regular minutes in the 2026 World Cup.

CM: Cristian Roldan—6.8: Operated efficiently in the midfield partnership. Roldan will regret his first-half attempt given the quality of service he received.

LM: Max Arfsten—8.4: Arfsten's emergence has eased concerns about Antonee Robinson's unavailability. The Columbus Crew wing-back faces defensive questions but his offensive contribution is undeniable.

RW: Gio Reyna—8.3: An outstanding return for Reyna. A goal within four minutes and a crucial delivery that created the second-half winner. Pochettino faces a selection dilemma if Reyna performs similarly against Uruguay.

ST: Folarin Balogun—7.4: Applied pressure from the front but received limited service throughout most of the match. Netted the decisive goal before his substitution in the second period.

LW: Brenden Aaronson—6.7: A disappointing evening for Aaronson. Frequently involved but repeatedly lacking the decisive moment on multiple occasions. Won three fouls but also lost the highest number of duels (9).

Subs not used: Jonathan Klinsmann (GK), Patrick Schulte (GK), Roman Celentano (GK), Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, John Tolkin, Haji Wright

Paraguay (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Orlando Gill (GK); Juan Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Blas Riveros, Júnior Alonso; Damián Bobadilla, Diego Gómez, Miguel Almirón; Julio Enciso, Álex Arce, Diego González

Subs used: Ramón Sosa, Braian Ojeda, Antonio Sanabria, Lucas Romero

Player of the Match: Max Arfsten (USMNT)

USMNT 2–1 Paraguay—How it Unfolded at Subaru Park

All attention focused on Reyna as the match commenced. How would the creative midfielder respond to this opportunity?

The opening minutes witnessed the USMNT applying high pressure while establishing their formation. They earned a corner kick within five minutes, leading to a scrambled sequence in the penalty area. As the ball ricocheted around, it eventually reached Arfsten who delivered an inviting cross. Reyna climbed highest and directed his header beyond Gill for the opener.

His understated celebration may have projected composure, but relief was also visible on Reyna's expression.

However, the positive momentum was quickly extinguished as Paraguay struck back immediately. Miguel Almirón delivered a precise cross that Arce easily converted past Freese. Pochettino will be frustrated with how the goal was conceded, as his defense switched off immediately after taking the lead.

Roldan missed a prime opportunity to restore the USMNT's advantage around the 20th minute following a threatening run from Dest, but his shot went straight to Gill.

The remainder of the opening period saw emotions escalate as fouls and bookings accumulated, though neither keeper faced serious threats. The USMNT concluded the half with 11 infractions, their highest total under Pochettino's tenure.

Most of the second period featured limited attacking quality from both teams. The home side controlled possession, but whenever play developed near the penalty area, Paraguay responded quickly to close down passing and shooting opportunities. Dest had a chance in the 65th minute, but his left-footed attempt sailed over the crossbar in his final contribution.

The USMNT eventually secured the winning goal in the 71st minute through excellent combination play between Balogun and Reyna. The Monaco forward protected the ball effectively, released it to Reyna who played it back into the area. A fortunate slight deflection aided the USMNT as Balogun was finally rewarded after a relatively subdued performance.

Substitutes Timothy Tillman, Diego Luna and Ricardo Pepi almost combined for a third goal after entering the match, but the latter couldn't position himself properly in a crucial moment.

Near stoppage time, Blas Riveros delivered a dangerous cross across the USMNT goalmouth that nearly resulted in an own goal.

Tension that had built throughout the evening finally erupted near the final whistle when Alex Freeman and Gustavo Gómez battled for possession. The altercation caused both benches to empty and resulted in unused Paraguayan substitute Omar Alderete receiving a red card.

USMNT vs. Paraguay Halftime Stats

USMNT vs. Paraguay Full Time Stats