Giovanni Reyna shines in return, USMNT edges Paraguay in friendly

Giovanni Reyna has been a provocative figure for the US since a post-2022 World Cup saga that stemmed from his lack of playing time at the tournament. (AFP pic)

CHESTER: Giovanni Reyna scored early and helped set up another goal late in his first international appearance since the 2024 Copa America, helping the US to a 2-1 friendly victory over Paraguay yesterday in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Folarin Balogun scored the match-winner in the 71st minute for the 2026 World Cup co-hosts against one of South America’s six automatic qualifiers for the tournament.

The Americans will complete their November itinerary on Tuesday in Tampa, Fla against Uruguay, another South American side that will be part of the 48-team World Cup field.

Alex Arce scored the lone goal for Paraguay, which will be making its first World Cup appearance since it mounted a run to the quarterfinals in 2010.

Reyna has been a provocative figure for the US since a post-2022 World Cup saga that stemmed from his lack of playing time at the tournament, and ultimately involved the families of both Reyna and former US national team coach Gregg Berhalter.

He has consistently struggled for playing time at the club level.

At his latest stop, he has only one start among his six appearances for mid-table German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

Even so, he still earned his first minutes under current manager Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday, and put the Americans in front after four minutes.

After a half-clearance from Paraguay’s defense amid US pressure, the ball came to Max Arfsten on the right.

The wingback delivered a lofted cross to the near post, where Reyna met it with a firm header into the top right corner.

Paraguay leveled the match six minutes later through an incisive counterattack.

Center back Junior Alonso played a long ball down the left for Miguel Almiron, who took it on the bounce and hit an excellent first-time cross on the half-volley.

Arce met it in full stride, powering a header beyond Matt Freese from close range.

However, Reyna was again involved much later as the Americans took the lead for good on another attack due to additional high pressing, this time by Cristian Roldan.

Balogun received the loose ball created by Roldan’s pressing, laid it off to Reyna, who was making a run down the left, and took off toward the box.

Reyna attempted a low cross toward Roldan at the far post, and when a Paraguay defender deflected it, Balogun was there to hammer in the loose ball.

Each side was credited with eight shots. Freese earned a pair of saves, while Orlando Gil stopped one American shot on goal.

The US held possession for 55.8% of the match.