A game that looked to be a rout turned into a tense affair, but Luna's brace holds as U.S. book a spot in the Gold Cup final
ST. LOUIS – For a moment, it appeared this would be a long summer night of celebration for the U.S. men's national team. The goals came in early, both from Diego Luna in the first 15 minutes, silencing a raucous pro-Guatemala crowd. It turned out to be anything but.
In the end, the U.S. survived. A late goal from Guatemala led to a furious flurry, one that, ultimately, fell short. The USMNT won 2-1, and are into their 13th Gold Cup final, and truth be told, they'll just be glad that they're in.
It began in the fourth minute with Luna's first, a rebound finish off a Luca de la Torre longshot. Luna was fortunate to see the rebound fall to him, but they say you make your own luck and Luna remains the poster boy of that fact.
There was nothing lucky about Luna's second: a well-struck missile that came seconds after he slipped right on past a defender. But this was no USMNT romp. Things got tense. An 80th-minute goal from Guatemala's Olger Escobar, a Massachusetts native, set up a frantic finish, one in which the U.S. had to sweat out their lead until the very last second, ultimately booking their tickets to Houston and a chance at an eighth Gold Cup trophy.
In 2025, Luna leads the USMNT with seven goal contributions (three goals, four assists), followed by Malik Tillman (three goals, three assists).
"It’s the grit, it’s the determination, that we’ve been lacking, to be honest," Luna said on FOX Sports. "It’s fighting to the end, every ball, every moment. The game’s about moments, and I think this is where we showcase it. It’s 90 minutes of hundreds of moments, and you’ve got to execute on each one.
"It’s finding the rhythm, and being able to get the freedom from the coaching staff and the team, and know that they’re going to have my back. And the trust of the defensive responsibilities allows me to do what I do on the ball."
Job done. Through three group stage games and two tight knockout encounters, the U.S. are still alive – five straight wins after four straight losses entering the tournament. The USMNT will play Mexico the Gold Cup final for the eighth time. One more game, and a trophy on the line.
GOAL rates the USMNT players from Energizer Park.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Matt Freese (6/10):
Had a big save on a dangerous Guatemala chance midway through the first half. Made a few more as the tense game wore on, and could do little to stop the eventual goal. Did make a fantastic save late, though, to protect the win.
Max Arfsten (5/10):
Nowhere near as chaotic as he was in the quarterfinals, which was good and bad for the USMNT. Did have some nervy moments defensively, though, particularly when Guatemala made a push midway through the first half.
Tim Ream (5/10):
Far from his best game as he uncharacteristically struggled. Had a few difficult moments against Guatemala's not-so-world-class forwards in what was his first sub-par game of the tournament.
Chris Richards (6/10):
Hit some absolutely wonderful passes in the first half but picked up a yellow that forced him to tone down the aggression as the game wore on. Was unlucky to get screened off on the goal.
Alex Freeman (6/10):
Played a part in the lead-up to the first goal and continued to stay high up throughout. Certainly caused Guatemala a few headaches.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Tyler Adams (6/10):
Not as ballhawk-ish as usual, as the U.S., in general, struggled with midfield control. Definitely set a tone physically, though, making his presence felt in several tense moments.
Luca de la Torre (5/10):
Played a part in the early goal, but struggled to really impact the game after. Was taken off early in the second half after picking up a yellow card.
Sebastian Berhalter (6/10):
A odd game from the Whitecaps star, who again played in a role that often took him out wide. Did a bunch of defensive work that will go under the radar and did progress the ball forward often enough.
Getty ImagesAttack
Diego Luna (9/10):
The clear Man of the Match. Took his chances well, the first through effort and the second through skill. Certainly his best game in a U.S. shirt.
Patrick Agyemang (5/10):
Again, far too many chances missed. Credit for generating them, obviously, but against better teams, Agyemang has to be more clinical. Aside from that, though, some decent work on and off the ball even as he was often left on an island up top.
Malik Tillman (6/10):
Technically so, so good and he does get the assist for Luna's second, even if that was all Moon Man. Didn't really have a breakthrough moment of his own, though, as Guatemala were physical with him throughout.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Brenden Aaronson (5/10):
Replaced De la Torre, but also never really got a foothold in the game.
John Tolkin (5/10):
Was tossed in a weird spot initially before the U.S. went to five-at-the-back. When he did get the ball, though, was a bit sloppy.
Jack McGlynn (6/10):
Did well enough once he came on but, once the U.S. lost control after the goal, the attack-minded McGlynn was forced into defense mode.
Walker Zimmerman (N/A):
Brought in late as a third center-back to hold on.
Damion Downs (N/A):
A final-minute sub to get fresh legs on for Agyemang.
Mauricio Pochettino (5/10):
The midfield never had really control and Pochettino never quite found an answer for it. Subs were a bit confusing, too, but, hey, they saw it out. And they will play for a Gold Cup trophy on Sunday.
