United States men’s national team fans were thrilled to see that Gio Reyna was given his first start with Nottingham Forest on Saturday for their 2-2 draw vs. Wolves. The American took advantage of the opportunity with a solid outing and supplied an assist.
Saturday’s start with Forest was just his third for a club all season (he’d been given two starts with Borussia Dortmund prior to his winter loan move). The last time Reyna found himself in a starting XI at the club level was Nov. 1 in the DFB-Pokal vs. Hoffenheim.
Reyna lined up on the right wing for Forest and was given 70 minutes before being subbed out. His brightest moment came with a great delivery from a corner kick to help find a first half equalizer.
Gio Reyna assist and highlights vs. Wolves
GIO REYNA ASSIST.
The American tees up Morgan Gibbs-White off the corner for a HUGE Nottingham Forest goal! pic.twitter.com/epb4iBGqI4— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 13, 2024
GIO REYNA STATS & HIGHLIGHTS
1 Assist
3 Total Shots
3 Chances Created
17/21 (81%) Passes
4 Touches in Opposition Box
3 Passes Into Final Third
71 Minutes PlayedWhat did you make of American international's 1st EPL start? pic.twitter.com/KJvFleSlOR
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 13, 2024
The 21-year-old was a calming presence on the ball with solid distribution in Forest’s attack. Reyna will likely want some of his chances back including an effort in the second half that he scuffed inside the box.
Forest’s draw against Wolves takes them just one point clear of the relegation zone as the pressure mounts with five games left to play this season.
USMNT fans will find out next week if Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was impressed with Reyna and starts him again vs. Everton on Sunday.
