USMNT Books Gold Cup Final Berth with Hard-Fought 2-1 Victory Over Guatemala
ST. LOUIS, MO – July 3, 2025 – The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) has secured its spot in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final, defeating a resilient Guatemala side 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal clash at Energizer Park on Wednesday night. A quick-fire brace from breakout star Diego Luna in the opening 15 minutes proved to be just enough for the Americans to withstand a spirited second-half comeback attempt from La Bicolor.
The match began with the USMNT asserting their dominance, and it didn’t take long for them to be rewarded. In the 4th minute, Diego Luna pounced on a rebound after a shot from Luca de la Torre was parried by Guatemalan goalkeeper Kénderson Navarro, calmly slotting it home to give the U.S. an early lead.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64015940/1137457581.jpg.0.jpg)
Just eleven minutes later, Luna struck again. Receiving a cross-field pass from Malik Tillman, the 21-year-old Real Salt Lake forward showcased brilliant individual skill, dribbling past a defender before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot that found the back of the net, completing his first career brace for the national team and putting the USMNT up 2-0.
Despite the early deficit, Guatemala refused to wilt. They grew into the game, especially in the latter stages of the first half, putting pressure on the U.S. defense and forcing some crucial saves from goalkeeper Matt Freese. The physicality of the match was evident throughout, with 30 fouls and six yellow cards issued.
Guatemala’s persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Olger Escobar, an 18-year-old forward, found space inside the box and slotted a low strike past Freese, pulling one back for La Bicolor and setting up a tense finale. The goal ignited the largely pro-Guatemala crowd at Energizer Park, and the visitors threw everything forward in search of an equalizer.
However, the USMNT, despite some nervy moments and a strong late surge from Guatemala that saw them outshoot the U.S. 20-12 in the game, managed to hold on. A crucial save by Freese in stoppage time ensured the Americans’ victory.
With this win, the USMNT advances to a record 13th Concacaf Gold Cup Final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Mexico and Honduras. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Diego Luna was deservedly named Man of the Match for his decisive contributions, highlighting his growing importance to the USMNT squad as they seek to reclaim the Gold Cup title.
Join our socials
https://www.instagram.com/stranacmedia/
https://x.com/stranacmedia