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Gio Reyna proves he’s invaluable to USMNT attack with first half brace during 4-0 win vs. Ghana

By David Moore October 17, 2023
Featured Image
That was a look at the U.S. attack firing on all cylinders.
Getty Images

Gio Reyna was the star on Tuesday for the United States men’s national team as he bagged two goals during the 4-0 victory against Ghana. 

The friendly win was a great response to the USMNT’s disappointing 3-1 defeat vs. Germany on Sunday.

Reyna has hardly seen the field for his club side Borussia Dortmund this season but had two quality 45-minute cameos for the U.S. in the October international window.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter started Reyna as the attacking midfielder along with Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah in attack. USMNT fans finally got to see what those four are capable of at full strength.

USA vs Ghana friendly highlights

Reyna opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a brilliant sequence of link-up play between Balogun and Sergiño Dest. Reyna was in the right place at the right time to get on the end of Balogun’s cross and smash in the opening goal.

Reyna’s intricate passing and distribution with the front three was on display throughout the first half and led to a penalty kick for the U.S.

After Weah was brought down in the box, Pulisic calmly finished from the spot to double the lead.

The USMNT’s pressing and cutting off of passing lanes looked great in the first half and led to Weah stealing possession and setting up Balogun for the third.

This was extra saucy from Balogun.

Reyna then added the fourth of the half in the 39th minute after an indirect free kick was awarded inside the box. One of the Ghana players had essentially sat on the ball to stop play and the referee awarded the indirect kick.

Not too shabby from Reyna, not too shabby.

Fans also pointed out his influence in the first half of the Germany friendly and how much he was missed in the second half.

Tuesday’s game vs. Ghana was a somewhat similar story for Berhalter’s side with the second 45 minutes being lackluster. Reyna, Pulisic and Balogun were taken off at halftime and the U.S. attack pretty much stalled.

Before I wrap up this article, I’m legally required to include this Matt Turner save from the first half.

He’s brick wall!

Next up for the USMNT will a two-leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal vs. Trinidad & Tobago in November. The winner will automatically qualify for the 2024 Copa América.

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