Introduction to the Match
The USMNT has secured a significant victory, beating Paraguay 2-1 in their first November game. This win marks a positive start to their two-game slate, with Gio Reyna scoring a crucial goal. The match was a testament to the team’s determination and skill, showcasing their ability to overcome challenges and secure wins against tough opponents.
The Game’s Early Moments
The scoring opened in just the seventh minute, with Reyna connecting on Arfsten’s cross from the right flank that hit the crossbar before bouncing in. However, the lead didn’t last long, as Paraguay’s star winger Miguel Almiron was sent free into the left channel six minutes later, leading to a goal by striker Alex Arce. This early back-and-forth set the stage for an intense and competitive match.
Mid-Game Analysis
The game stayed level at 1-1 entering the break, but Paraguay never really threatened after its first goal and coming out of halftime. Instead, the U.S. generated the better chances but lacked the finishing touch. The team’s persistence paid off in the 71st minute, when striker Balogun and Reyna combined on the left side of Paraguay’s box, leading to Balogun’s goal.
Notable Performances and Incidents
Balogun had been largely invisible for most of the game but scored his third straight U.S. start goal, demonstrating the individual quality the U.S. needs from its starting No. 9. The U.S. had a prime chance at a third goal in the 79th minute, but Ricardo Pepi missed a point-blank sitter. A scuffle broke out between the two teams near the benches in stoppage time, resulting in Paraguay’s Omar Alderete being sent off with a red card.
Post-Game Statistics and Insights
The U.S. finished the game with 56% possession, eight shots, and three big chances. Paraguay also registered eight shots but had just the one big chance that Arce headed in. The team’s performance was a positive indicator of their skills and strategies, showcasing their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
Upcoming Challenges
With the win over Paraguay, the U.S. is now set to face an even bigger test against No. 15 Uruguay on Tuesday in Tampa, Fla. The Stars and Stripes are one spot behind at No. 16, per FIFA. Uruguay will not have Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde available due to a muscle injury, which may impact their performance.
Conclusion
The USMNT’s victory over Paraguay is a significant step forward, demonstrating the team’s growth and potential. With the upcoming match against Uruguay, the team will face a new set of challenges and opportunities to showcase their skills. As the team continues to evolve and improve, their success will be crucial to the continued growth of soccer in the United States.
FAQs
- Q: Who scored the first goal for the USMNT in the match against Paraguay?
A: Gio Reyna scored the first goal for the USMNT. - Q: What was the final score of the match between the USMNT and Paraguay?
A: The USMNT won 2-1. - Q: Who will the USMNT face in their next match?
A: The USMNT will face Uruguay in their next match. - Q: What is the current ranking of the USMNT according to FIFA?
A: The USMNT is currently ranked No. 16 by FIFA.
He’s here.
Gio Reyna’s goal celebration made it clear that he wants to be back in the mix as a regular player for the U.S. men’s national team.
That hasn’t always been the case under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, but Reyna’s goal helped the U.S. beat Paraguay 2-1 to open the team’s two-game November slate.
The U.S. has now beaten Paraguay three straight times dating back to 2016 and are on a two-game win streak following a 2-1 win over Australia to end the October break.
Pochettino opened with a 5-3-2 lineup with Folarin Balogun and Brendan Aaronson up top. Reyna, Tanner Tessman and Cristian Roldan formed the midfield, with Max Arfsten and Sergino Dest at wingback. Tim Ream (LCB), Miles Robinson (CCB) and Joe Scally (RCB) established the back three.
The scoring opened in just the seventh minute. Reyna, returning after a period away under Pochettino, connected on Arfsten’s cross from the right flank that hit the crossbar before bouncing in.
But the lead didn’t last long.
Six minutes later in the 10th minute, star Paraguayan winger Miguel Almiron was sent free into the left channel. He quickly clipped a fast cross with his left foot into the box, with striker Alex Arce showing off his header skills. Ultimately, it was poor box defending by the U.S. with Matt Freese also not being proactive.
It stayed level at 1-1 entering the break, but Paraguay never really threatened after its first goal and coming out of halftime.
Instead, the U.S. generated the better chances but lacked the finishing touch. That eventually changed in the 71st minute, when striker Balogun and Reyna combined on the left side of Paraguay’s box. Reyna’s cutback cross was fortunately deflected into Balogun’s path, and he comfortably put it home.
Balogun had been largely invisible for most of the game, but it’s now three straight U.S. starts where the Arsenal academy product scored a goal. That’s the individual quality the U.S. needs from its starting No. 9.
The U.S. had a prime chance at a third goal in the 79th minute when Diego Luna put in a dangerous short cross from the left flank, but Ricardo Pepi somehow missed the point-blank sitter.
But the highlights didn’t necessarily conclude there. Into stoppage time, a scuffle broke out between the two teams near the benches. Paraguay unused substitute Omar Alderete was sent off with a red card for allegedly throwing a punch in the crowd.
Luna, Pepi, Alex Freeman, Aidan Morris, Timothy Tillman and Sebastian Berhalter were the six substitutes Pochettino called upon for minutes.
The U.S. finished the game with 56% possession, eight shots and three big chances. Paraguay also registered eight shots, but had just the one big chance that Arce headed in.
With No. 39-ranked Paraguay checked off, up next is an even bigger test. The U.S. on Tuesday in Tampa, Fla., will host No. 15 Uruguay. The Stars and Stripes are one spot behind at No. 16, per FIFA.
Uruguay will not have Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde available due to a muscle injury.
Tyler Adams, captain of the 2022 USMNT World Cup squad, discusses the influence of head coach Mauricio Pochettino and why success in 2026 is crucial to the continued growth of soccer in the United States.
