The Americans will face either Mexico in Sunday’s final
Getty Images
It was a statement from Diego Luna and the USMNT to book their place in the Concacaf Gold Cup final following a 2-1 victory over Guatemala on Wednesday. Luna scored in the fourth minute of play before completing his brace in only 15 minutes with an audacious finish, and the USMNT held on from there. Guatemala pushed Matt Freese into some good saves in net as they outshot the USMNT, but the defense didn’t break. Tightening up in the second half, the USMNT were able to hold on and now they’ll face either Mexico or Honduras in the Gold Cup final on Sunday.
While the match had nervy moments, the USMNT came out on the right end of things, and that’s all Pochettino can ask for. Luna’s star continues to rise since breaking his nose in January and staying on to assist a goal, and he’s more than knocking on the door for the 2026 World Cup squad, which is just what this Gold Cup camp is for. Just three years ago, Luna was playing for El Paso Locomotive in the USL Championship, and now he’s on the verge of a World Cup roster. More players are looking to make statements during this camp but his performances have been the center of the team.
The defense still needs to improve, with it being too easy for Olger Escobar to score late, but they’re in the final, and that’s what matters as a trophy could be 90 minutes away. The partnership of Tim Ream and Chris Richards has been an experienced one but they haven’t brought the steadiness that would be expected. Adding in newer players like Alex Freeman and Max Arfsten and without Freese, this team may not be in the final. It’s not going to always be pretty and winning ugly hasn’t been among the USMNT’s strong suits lately but it could be changing as they get more time under Pochettino.
Call it What You Want: A weekly podcast where Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies and Tony Meola cover all things USMNT and the state of the beautiful game in the United States. Catch the show YouTube live every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.
“It’s the grit. It’s the determination that we’ve been lacking, to be honest, it’s fighting to the end, every ball, every moment. The game’s about moments, and I think this is where we showcase it,” Luna said to Fox Sports following the game. “It’s 90 minutes of hundreds of moments, and you’ve got to execute on each one.”
Luna’s words make it easy to see how the USMNT could withstand 20 shots from Guatemala and fight for a result. Even the four yellow cards that were picked up during the match show that this squad cares and are digging in, and that’s something that can’t be taught.
Back in the Gold Cup final
The USMNT have secured their 13th appearance in the Gold Cup final with a 2-1 victory defeating Guatemala. It was anything but easy but Diego Luna’s brace pushed the USMNT to Houston for the final. They’ll face either Mexico or Honduras in the final and will look to grab the title back from El Tri. The defense will need to improve in order to do that but they’ve found a way so far and that’s all Pochettino can ask for.
Time to see this out
There will be four minutes of stoppage time where Guatemala will throw everything forward in search of an equalizer.
GOAL! USMNT 2, Guatemala 1
It’s not over yet! Escobar wasn’t picked up by the USMNT defense, and with 11 minutes to go, Guatemala has a chance to draw level as they’re throwing everything forward.
More changes
John Tolkin and Jack McGlynn will enter with Tyler Adams and Diego Luna entering the match. With Max Arfsten staying in, Pochettino will now be playing a defender on the wing.
Big chance for the USMNT
Agyemang puts a header on target after Aaronson’s follow up keeps a ball in their possession that could’ve gone out. From the corner, Aaronson couldn’t get a chance on target but it’s still better from them.
Brenden Aaronson enters
The USMNT will get some fresh legs onto the pitch before the 60th minute with Luca De La Torre exiting. Another player on a yellow card, this is a good time to shift things a bit for the USMNT.
Better in the second half
Guatemala hasn’t been able to keep the pace that they ended the first half with, and the USMNT is settling in. With Diego Luna and Chris Richards both on yellow cards, changes could be coming soon, though.
Limping into the half
This break couldn’t have come at a better time for the USMNT. They could afford to make a change or two to settle things before the second half but most importantly, Pochettino will have a chance to adjust things.