CHESTER, Pennsylvania — In a gritty 2-1 victory over Paraguay at Subaru Park on Saturday, the United States men's national team showcased renewed promise, with midfielder Giovanni Reyna delivering a standout performance in his return to the starting lineup. Reyna, who hadn't started for the USMNT since July 2024, opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a header from a cross by Max Arfsten, marking his ninth international goal in 33 appearances. Later, in the 71st minute, he centered a ball that deflected off a Paraguay defender and found Folarin Balogun for the game-winner, providing Reyna with both a goal and an assist in the match.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, in his post-game remarks, hailed Reyna's impact, describing him as a "nightmare" for the Paraguayan defense. "[How he] reads the game and finds the free space in between the lines, I think that was a nightmare for Paraguay, and I think he did a very good job," Pochettino said. The Argentine tactician, who took over the team earlier this year, emphasized Reyna's intelligence on the pitch but tempered his praise with a call for more consistency at the club level.
Reyna, now 23 and playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach after an unfulfilling stint at Borussia Dortmund, has faced setbacks from injuries and limited playing time. Saturday's start was his first for club or country since September 14, and only his second since March 1. Pochettino noted that with just three U.S. games left before he finalizes the roster for the 2026 World Cup — which the U.S. will co-host — Reyna must secure more minutes to maintain his form. "He scored, he did a very good job. So happy with him," Pochettino added. "He showed why he started, and he has confirmed that he's a player that needs to improve, because he needs to play more in his club, but we can see today that he was great."
For Reyna, the match was a welcome return after missing the spring national team camp. Speaking to TNT Sports afterward, he expressed relief and joy at being back. "It was a perfect week, just honestly happy to be back, playing with this group, with this staff and a little gift for myself [with the goal]," Reyna said. His performance earned high marks from observers, with ESPN rating him a 9 out of 10 in player evaluations for the game.
The win caps a positive stretch for Pochettino's side, which has gone undefeated in its last four matches following a rocky start to his tenure. The U.S. team, preparing for the World Cup in seven months, demonstrated competitiveness against a resilient Paraguay squad. Pochettino acknowledged the progress but stressed the need for further development. "I think we created chances, we were better. A team that I think is very competitive and difficult to beat," he said. "But that is not enough. We are happy, [but] we need to keep going, because we need to improve, improve, improve, and arrive to the World Cup in our best, in our peak."
Paraguay pulled one back earlier in the second half, but the U.S. defense held firm to secure the result. The match, part of the November international break, served as valuable preparation amid a packed schedule. With the World Cup on home soil looming, every outing carries added weight for a squad blending young talents like Reyna and Balogun with experienced players.
Reyna's journey to this point has been one of high expectations tempered by adversity. A product of the New York City FC academy and Dortmund's youth system, he burst onto the scene as a teenager but has struggled with recurring injuries and competition for spots in crowded midfields. His move to Mönchengladbach this season was intended to revive his career, yet minutes have remained scarce. Pochettino's comments underscore the stakes: regular play is essential not just for national team selection but for Reyna to fulfill the potential that once made him a cornerstone of U.S. soccer's future.
The game wasn't without controversy, however. Tensions boiled over in second-half stoppage time when a loose ball led to a skirmish involving players from both sides. U.S. defender Alex Freeman and Paraguay captain Diego Gómez vied for possession, sparking a brawl that drew in substitutes and staff from the benches. Paraguay's Omar Alderete, who was not on the field, received a red card for his involvement, while American midfielder Cristian Roldan was shown a yellow.
Pochettino expressed strong disapproval of the incident, calling it a "very, very, very dangerous" situation. "I think we need to pay attention, because anything can happen," he said. "I don't like [it], I don't like this type of situation. I don't know how it started, this. I cannot say nothing, because I need to watch or to see on TV, why it all started." Officials from both teams will likely review footage to assess any further disciplinary actions, though no additional sanctions were announced immediately after the match.
Paraguay, ranked 56th in the world by FIFA, provided a stern test for the U.S., which sits at 16th. The South American side's physicality and counterattacking style mirrored challenges the Americans could face in the World Cup group stage. Despite the loss, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro — not quoted directly in available reports — has a history of building competitive teams, and his squad showed resilience by equalizing before Reyna's involvement turned the tide.
Looking ahead, the USMNT will wrap up this international window with a friendly against Uruguay on November 18 in Tampa, Florida. The matchup against another CONMEBOL powerhouse will offer another opportunity to fine-tune tactics and integrate key players. Pochettino, known for his success at clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, has just seven months to mold this group into contenders on home soil.
Reyna's resurgence could prove pivotal. As one of the U.S.'s most technically gifted players, his ability to dictate play from midfield addresses a long-standing need for creativity in the team's attack. Teammates like Balogun, who scored his fifth international goal, benefited directly from Reyna's vision, highlighting the synergy Pochettino aims to foster.
The broader context for U.S. soccer is one of optimism mixed with pressure. Co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Canada and Mexico means expectations are sky-high, and early stumbles under Pochettino — including losses in Nations League play — raised questions about his fit. Yet this unbeaten run suggests momentum building, with friendlies like this one serving as crucial building blocks.
Player ratings from the match underscored Reyna's dominance, but also pointed to areas for collective improvement, such as finishing efficiency and defensive organization. ESPN's analysis noted the U.S. created numerous chances but converted only two, a statistic Pochettino likely will address in training.
As the team departs Pennsylvania for Florida, the focus shifts to maintaining this form. For Reyna, the challenge is clear: translate national team brilliance into club consistency. With the World Cup dream within reach, every performance counts in the race to the peak Pochettino envisions.