4 Takeaways From The U.S. Men’s Team’s 2-1 Win Over Paraguay

CHESTER, Penn. Gioreyna has taken a big step forward in his quest to reach the World Cup 2026. This was the attacking midfielder’s first appearance under Mauricio Pochettino as coach of the U.S. national team and his second start since March. Here are my takeaways: 1. Gio Reyna’s World Cup Case Was Helped By Gio?  (Photo by Mark Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) With just 146 minutes played for German club Borussia Mönchengladbach this season, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder was a surprise inclusion on Pochettino’s roster this month. Five years ago, Reyna was regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the game. Reyna, who has not played for his European club since recovering from injury, was a player Pochettino looked to as a spark of creativity. And the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager was rewarded almost immediately, when the rangy playmaker nodded home wingback Max Arfsten’s service from the doorstep to give the hosts the early advantage. It was Arfsten’s team-leading fifth assist of this calendar year.It’s doubtful that the goal alone will vault Reyna onto Pochettino’s final 26-man roster for next summer’s roster. He’ll have to play more — much more — in the Bundesliga in the four months before the USMNT next convenes in late March. But it certainly doesn’t hurt.2. Another Preventable goal (Photo by Ira L. Black/USSF/Getty Images). The U.S. conceded two worrying goals when they tied Ecuador last month and beat Australia from behind. The type of strike that gets teams kicked out early of World Cups. It happened again on Sunday. Once again, there was plenty of blame to go around.Reyna’s lack of defensive pressure — never his strong suit anyway — gifted Paraguay a long pass over the entire U.S. back-line, allowing forward Miguel Almiron to pick out Arce in the box with one touch. The three USMNT defenders – Joe Scally, Miles Robinson and Tim Ream – were all slow to react.It was way too easy. And while it didn’t cost the Americans this time, those sorts of mistakes will surely be punished ruthlessly next summer, no matter the opponents. We’ll see if the U.S. can earn a clean sheet against an even more powerful foe in its next match. In a second, I’ll explain more.)3. An Important Win, Nonetheless  (Photo by Ira L. Black/USSF/Getty Images) Given how many regulars are missing this month, this was an impressive victory. The U.S. was missing the playmaking trio of Pulisic, Tillman, and Weah, as well as Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson, the right-back. Paraguay responded to Reyna’s goal by snuffing out the positive vibes. But Folarin Balogun’s fine form continued. Balogun gave the hosts an advantage with his second-half score, less than twenty minutes into regular time. The Monaco player scored in his third straight match. It is why this was the latest proof that things will be moving slowly and surely in the right directions as 2026 nears. Saturday’s triumph gives the U.S. its first winning streak since the Gold Cup over the summer. Add to that the September win against Japan, and now the Americans are unbeaten in four games with three wins and one draw. 4 ½. What’s Next? (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) The USMNT won’t have much time to prepare for its 2025 finale, what with just two days of rest — instead of the usual three — before they take on Uruguay on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. La Celeste is ranked 15th in FIFA’s most recent men’s ranking. They are one spot above the 16th-ranked Americans. 15 in FIFA’s most recent men’s ranking, La Celeste sits one spot above the 16th-ranked Americans.Despite a new generation of players — longtime mainstays such as striker duo Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani both retired from their national team in 2024 — Uruguay still boasts several legit elite talents, even with Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde not included in manager Marcelo Bielsa’s squad this month. Chief among them is Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo, but there’s also midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottehnam) and Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United).Tuesday’s contest will also mark a reunion between Pochettino and Bielsa, who coached a young Pochettino at Newell’s Old Boys, one of Argentina’s most historic clubs. “It’s going to be nice to see Marcelo,” Pochettino told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game. “You are very familiar with my relationship, my admiration and love,” Pochettino told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game. [for Bielsa]. “They qualified [to the World Cup]They play well. I understand what it means to be his player, and I also know what it means to be his opponent. It’s gonna be tough.”Doug McIntyre, is a soccer reporter for FOX Sports who has covered United States men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups on five continents. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre. Want the best stories delivered to your mailbox? Sign up for a FOX Sports account or create one to follow teams, leagues and players and receive a daily newsletter!
2025-11-16 00:45:40