USMNT makes the 2025 Gold Cup final thanks to Diego Luna’s brace

The USMNT came into the 2025 Gold Cup expecting to make the final and win the tournament. Many thought that was far-fetched, as this team is missing almost all its star players. Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino called this group of raw players with a lot of talent, and they have found a way to make it to the final of this competition. The USA beat Guatemala 2-1 in the semifinals after Diego Luna scored twice; let’s look at the match and how this team made it to Sunday’s final.

USMNT down Guatemala en route to final

Energizer Park in St. Louis looked like it was in Guatemala ahead of this match. Most of the fans were rooting for the underdog Guatemalan side, which created a great atmosphere and a real test for the USA. The Guatemalan fans have been turning up throughout this tournament, and this game was no exception. The USMNT saw it and felt it, then the whistle blew, and the match started.

The first 15 minutes of this game were a dream for the USA. The USMNT controlled the first attacking moments and got the game’s first goal inside the first four minutes. Diego Luna found himself inside Guatemala’s box, controlling a bouncing ball and striking it past an outstretched keeper. Not 10 minutes later, Luna got on the ball at the left side of the box. He turned some defenders inside-out and fired a shot to the near post that beat the keeper. It was 2-0 USA in 15 minutes.

A 2-0 lead is the most dangerous lead in soccer, and while the early goals quelled the Guatemala fans, it didn’t hinder Guatemala on the field. Guatemala held the majority of possession in this game, outshot the USMNT 20-12, and held the momentum for most points after the US went up by two. With 10 minutes left, Guatemala found a lifeline goal scored by Olger Escobar. The goal came off the back of the USA changing tactics and personnel. When that tweak didn’t work, Poch changed things up again for his team, bringing in a third centerback and changing the striker for the game’s last five minutes.

Guatemala took it to the USA in those last five minutes plus stoppage time. They pushed the game to the brink, but didn’t have the attacking quality to punish the US. The match ended 2-1, and the USMNT is on its way to the Gold Cup final, where they’ll face Mexico on Sunday.

Three USMNT Players that stood out

1. Diego Luna

Luna has been the best player for Pochettino this year. He has grit and determination, which have been missing from this player pool. His ability to “try shit” a term former US legend Clint Dempsey has coined, while evaluating Luna’s game. He is the perfect complementary player that could join the top USMNT team, as we barrel towards next Summer’s World Cup.

2. Tim Ream

The captain of this USMNT has been 37-year-old defender, Tim Ream. This match against Guatemala shows us why. He completed 91% of his passes out of the back, won all of his duels on the ground and in the air, and was key in organizing this side. He even has a quote out after the game, saying “shame on you” to anyone who doubted this team’s belief in getting to and winning this tournament. He may be a crucial part of this team moving forward.

3. Patrick Agyemang

Since Pochettino took charge, the USA has been playing with a lone striker. Right now, Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang holds that spot. The 24-year-old is raw and a very physical presence on the pitch. His hold-up play is close to elite; his struggles stem from his attacking attributes. He has not done enough in this tournament with his chances, scoring only twice. He is likely the guy that will get the start in the final, but can he take the chances that will be created to down the likes of Mexico?

A 13th Gold Cup final for the USMNT; Mexico awaits

The USMNT and Mexico have won 17 of the previous 18 Gold Cups, and after this Sunday, one of them will have yet another tournament win. For the ninth time, these two nations will meet with the chance to win the Gold Cup. It’s been a difficult time for both of these nations as they have only played friendlies in between summer tournaments in the lead up to next summer’s World Cup.

This game will be the final competitive match for both nations before the 2026 World Cup. Which team will be entering its final preparations for the World Cup on a high, and which will have faltered a bit, losing out on the Gold Cup? We’ll see on Sunday night. A win at the Gold Cup can provide a great momentum ramp-up for the World Cup!