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. Max Arfsten put it on a platter for Gio Reyna 🍽️ pic.twitter.com/OdeGT8yBwN— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 15, 2025 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.Paraguay waste no time at all equalizing against the USMNT ⚡ pic.twitter.com/435F2U5EdW— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 15, 2025 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.WE WERE KNOCKIN’ ON THE DOOR AND FOLARIN BALOGUN ANSWERED!#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/XljM4c9if5— U.S.
Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) November 15, 2025 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.
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