Gio Reyna returned to the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) lineup on November 15, 2025, after a lengthy absence. He played a pivotal role in securing a 2-1 victory against Paraguay in Chester, Pennsylvania. This match marked Reyna’s first start since May 2024 and his first goal for the national team in over 600 days.
Reyna’s Impact on the Match
Reyna opened the scoring just four minutes into the game. Following a corner kick, Max Arfsten’s cross set up Reyna for an easy header into the net. This goal was significant; it increased his international tally to nine goals, surpassing his father, Claudio, in USMNT scoring history.
In addition to scoring, Reyna assisted on the game-winning goal in the 75th minute. His pass redirected to Folarin Balogun, who slotted the ball home to secure the victory for the USMNT.
Performance Highlights
- Reyna logged 75 minutes in the match, his longest appearance since December 2024.
- The goal marked Reyna’s return to form after dealing with a thigh injury.
- He displayed strong passing and teamwork throughout the match.
Road to Recovery
Reyna acknowledged that his playing time with Borussia Mönchengladbach has been limited, totaling only 147 minutes this season. However, he credited the club’s coaching staff for their support during his recovery. He reported being at approximately 85% fitness and is focused on regaining his full capabilities.
Upcoming Challenges
Despite his successful return, Reyna must compete for a position on the team. Injuries and positional choices kept several key players, such as Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, out of the match. Reyna will need to maintain high performance levels as competition increases when these players return.
Team Dynamics
The USMNT is currently unbeaten in their last four matches, showcasing improved coordination and understanding under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The team’s aggressive approach sets a competitive tone, evident in their performance against Paraguay.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of continual improvement to prepare for the approaching World Cup, which is only 208 days away. With matches ahead, including a challenging encounter against Uruguay, Reyna aims to solidify his position on the team further.
“It’s about the team and the collective,” Pochettino stated after the match. “We need to keep going and improve.”
