Reyna scores in 1st international start in 16 months, surpasses father, as US beats Paraguay 2-1

CHESTER, Pa. — Gio Reyna scored in his first international start in 16 months to surpass his father in career goals and then set up Folarin Balogun’s tiebreaking goal in the 71st minute, leading the United States to a 2-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday night in a friendly between World Cup-bound teams. The match, held at the stadium of the hometown Philadelphia Union, also sparked a late brawl.

American defender Alex Freeman and Paraguay captain Diego Gómez both reached for a ball that rolled out during second-half stoppage time, igniting a scuffle that quickly escalated as players from both benches joined in. Paraguay’s Omar Alderete, who was not in the game, received a red card, while American midfielder Cristian Roldan was shown a yellow.

Playing just two days after his 23rd birthday, the oft-injured Reyna scored in the fourth minute of his first start for club or country since September 14—and only his second since March 1. Álex Arce capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize in the 10th minute.

After entering the match in the second half, Diego Luna forced a turnover four minutes later that led to the go-ahead goal. Juan Cáceres attempted to regain possession and knocked the ball away to Balogun, who quickly found Reyna. The midfielder took a touch and centered the ball, which deflected off Damián Bobadilla, allowing Balogun to score from seven yards out for his eighth international goal—his third in four matches.

Max Arsten earned his team-high fifth assist of 2025, helping the U.S. extend its unbeaten streak to four matches.

With time dwindling for U.S. players to impress coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans, currently ranked 16th in the world, face No. 15 Uruguay on Tuesday. The U.S. will then play two more friendlies in March before Pochettino names his World Cup roster.

Reyna had not started on the field for the U.S. since the 2024 Copa America. He scored after Sergiño Dest and Cristian Roldan had their shots blocked following an Arsten corner kick. Arsten delivered a precise cross to Reyna, whose header from eight yards glanced off the outstretched left fingertips of goalkeeper Orlando Gill and in off the crossbar. This marked Reyna’s first professional headed goal.

With nine goals in 33 international appearances, Reyna has now surpassed his father, Claudio Reyna, who was U.S. captain at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and scored eight goals in 112 games from 1994 to 2006.

Paraguay, ranked No. 39 and qualifying for its first World Cup since 2010, equalized when Junior Alonso played a long ball behind Sergiño Dest to Miguel Almirón, who one-timed a cross. Arce then broke away from Miles Robinson and headed the ball off a hop, beating U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese with an open header for his first international goal.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino was without key players Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson. Joe Scally started alongside Miles Robinson and Tim Ream in the three center-back formation the U.S. adopted in September. Sergiño Dest played as right wingback, with Arsten on the left.

The midfield featured Roldan and Tanner Tessmann, with Reyna and Brenden Aaronson as advanced midfielders, and Balogun leading the attack. Both Freese and Aaronson are products of the Philadelphia Union academy and were playing in their hometown stadium.

The U.S. will look to build on this victory as they prepare for the upcoming matches ahead of the World Cup.
https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2025/11/16/reyna-scores-in-1st-international-start-in-16-months-surpasses-father-as-us-beats-paraguay-2-1/

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