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Diego Luna netted two goals within the first 15 minutes, helping the US men’s national team secure a 2-1 victory over Guatemala to reach the Gold Cup final. Facing challenges in a heated atmosphere in St. Louis, the Americans showcased resilience after a dramatic penalty shootout victory in the quarter-finals.
The match started off strong for the USMNT, but nerves crept in as Guatemala fought back, exposing the American team to pressure. The spotlight had initially shone on players like Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah, who were absent from the roster, yet this newly formed group has proven their mettle heading into the final.
Key highlights from the match include:
Rising Star: Diego Luna
Luna’s impressive performance in this tournament emphasizes his bid for a spot on the 2026 World Cup roster. The Real Salt Lake midfielder scored both of his goals early in the match: the first within four minutes, capitalizing on a blocked shot, and the second in the 15th minute with a right-footed shot after receiving a pass from Malik Tillman.
Having made significant strides since his departure from the Olympic squad last summer, Luna presents a compelling challenge for manager Mauricio Pochettino in strategizing for the World Cup. "He definitely lights up the Gold Cup," said Landon Donovan during the broadcast. "Fantastic quality and work rate. This guy has become an absolute star."
Maintaining Momentum
Despite their strong start, the US couldn’t sustain their dominance for the entire match. After taking an early lead, Guatemala intensified their efforts and even scored in the 80th minute, but the USMNT held on for the win. This young team, which has gone through growing pains, managed to weather the final moments’ pressure and secure their spot in the finals.
Looking Ahead
Next, the US faces Mexico in the Gold Cup final on Sunday in Houston. In their last meeting in October, the US managed a 2-0 victory, a significant benchmark as they prepare for this high-stakes match.
Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball, and soccer for Fox Sports and has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and the Indianapolis Star. She is the author of Strong Like A Woman, published in Spring 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
Fan Take
This victory is pivotal for soccer fans as it showcases emerging talent like Diego Luna, hinting at a bright future for the USMNT. As they prepare for the final against their historic rivals Mexico, this matchup carries significant implications for the growth and competitiveness of soccer in the US.
