Gio Reyna’s Promising Return to Form with USMNT

Following the match, Gio Reyna recognized that, although he delivered a Man of the Match-worthy performance, he is still not fully himself.

After enduring several tumultuous years and an early-season injury that delayed his debut with Borussia Mönchengladbach, the midfielder is in the process of regaining his form.

“Probably 80-85 percent,” Reyna commented when asked about his current fitness levels. “It’s tough to predict when I’ll be at 100 percent, but I’m not far off. I definitely feel like I’m getting there.”

If this performance reflects 80-85 percent of his capabilities, then Reyna appears to be on the right track.

It took him less than four minutes to make an impact on the match. After Max Arfsten surged down the right flank, Reyna positioned himself perfectly to meet the Columbus Crew wingback’s well-placed cross. He emphatically headed the ball off the underside of the bar for his first goal with the USMNT since finding the net in the Nations League final in March 2024.

“I always had confidence in myself,” Reyna stated. “Seeing the ball hit the back of the net is always gratifying. I just want to remain in dangerous positions and continue to put in the work.”

Later in the second half, with the match tied, Reyna contributed again, delivering a decisive ball across the box that deflected off a defender and set up Folarin Balogun for the second goal. Overall, Reyna completed 39 of 47 passes, created two scoring opportunities, and contributed defensively with two tackles and an interception. This performance was a significant showing from a player eager to impress USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

“I understood it was an opportunity to demonstrate that I belong here,” Reyna expressed post-match. “Pochettino has been fantastic with me throughout the week. Working with him has given me the freedom and confidence to be myself. I can’t thank him enough for the support and the relationship we’ve built during this camp.”

The 23-year-old midfielder is still familiarizing himself with Pochettino; this is only his second camp under the new USMNT head coach, the first being during the challenging March Nations League window. However, Reyna is well-known among the USMNT squad, and there is a palpable sense that this time feels different for him.

Heading into this camp, Reyna faced scrutiny, having not played significant minutes for the USMNT in over a year, compounded by the lingering tensions from the tenure of former manager Gregg Berhalter following the 2022 World Cup.

With that chapter now closed, Reyna can focus on his performance without the burdens of the past weighing him down.

Nonetheless, Reyna continues to face new challenges. After struggling to secure a spot in the Borussia Dortmund starting lineup due to injuries, he made the move to Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer. Unfortunately, another injury has limited him to just one starting appearance this season.

“The team has been incredible in helping me build towards full fitness, and as you saw tonight, I’m gradually getting there,” Reyna remarked. “I expect that once I’m back, I’ll be starting in more matches.”

Those within the USMNT camp have already noticed a transformation in Reyna. From the first training session, he has shown renewed energy and intensity.

“He hasn’t allowed his overseas challenges to impact this camp, which is encouraging to see,” veteran defender Tim Ream noted. “I’ve had a few conversations with him, and he’s been more vocal in training, asking, ‘What do you see?’ He’s become more engaged in understanding movements and our tactics, which is fantastic. His focus seems sharper than ever.”

This performance does not signify a complete reinvention; Reyna continues to fulfill his role within the USMNT by making impactful contributions.

After the match, teammate Brenden Aaronson emphasized this point. “He consistently shows up for the national team,” he said, having started alongside Reyna as the two attacking midfielders. “He deserves this opportunity. He has faced many challenges with injuries, but every time he plays for the national team, he makes his presence felt, and it’s inspiring to witness.”

Even after a long absence, Reyna has maintained key relationships, particularly with Balogun, who has been one of his favorite teammates since joining the USMNT in 2023. The two have established a potent synergy on the field, highlighted by Reyna’s assist to Balogun in the 2023 Nations League final.

“Gio wanted to come into this camp and perform, leaving the distractions behind,” Balogun commented. “He achieved that today with a strong performance. He scored early and assisted the second goal. I’m really pleased for him; it was a fantastic evening for him.”

Reyna, for his part, was simply glad to be back with the team. It has been a challenging year for the U.S., prompting Pochettino to initiate a reset after the March Nations League camp. The squad rebuilt their chemistry during the Gold Cup and have carried that momentum into the fall, achieving an unbeaten run with three victories.

“I definitely felt the energy and unity,” Reyna said. “The desire to win and represent our country has reached new heights. Of course, I’m trying to quickly adapt to tactical adjustments when I step on the field, but despite previous camps not meeting expectations, I’ve felt consistently positive about this team.

“We’re a group that thrives on collaboration, and we’ve experienced success before. In tough moments, I was never worried about the team. It was about working through those challenges and improving together.”

However, time is running short. The World Cup is on the horizon—will Reyna be a part of it?

Reyna claims he tries not to dwell on the World Cup too often. Nevertheless, he is aware of its impending arrival and, like every player, aspires to be included. He understands, however, that his journey to the World Cup must start with his club performance.

“I aim not to focus on the national team every day,” he explained. “Of course, it’s significant, and I want to be here and play an essential role in the World Cup. However, my primary focus is on my club situation, earning minutes, and building my form. I believe if I excel there, opportunities here will follow.”

Nonetheless, Saturday marked a promising beginning. Given the chance to impress Pochettino, Reyna seized the moment, leaving the USMNT coach with ample praise following the 2-1 victory.

“He scored and performed admirably,” Pochettino noted. “I’m very pleased with him. He demonstrated why he started. He confirmed that he must continue improving, as he needs more playing time at his club, but today he was impressive. He scored, assisted, and his ability to read the game and find space was a nightmare for Paraguay. He executed exceptionally well.”

Reyna must maintain this level of performance, as competition for a World Cup spot in the attacking midfield position is fierce. Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman appear to be solid candidates, while Diego Luna, Brenden Aaronson, and Alejandro Zendejas are also vying for positions. Weston McKennie, despite his absence from this camp, adds to this competitive mix.

The pressure is on Reyna, but he has proven resilient under it. He responded with a goal on Saturday, leading to the next question: what comes next?

“Ultimately, performances like this can uplift everyone involved,” Reyna concluded. “I aim for a strong remainder of the season with Gladbach, and if I continue to perform as I did tonight, I believe I’ll have a solid chance of making the team and leaving an impact there as well.”