American Duo in Gladbach's Victory

Reyna and Scally Feature as Gladbach Secure One-Goal Win

Borussia Mönchengladbach secured a crucial 1-0 victory over bottom-placed Mainz on Friday, with USMNT players Joe Scally and Giovanni Reyna both featuring in the Matchday 13 opener. The match's decisive moment came in the 58th minute when Haris Tabaković's header deflected off Mainz defender Danny da Costa and looped into the net for an unfortunate own goal. It was Da Costa's first own goal in 212 Bundesliga appearances, proving the difference in a tightly contested affair.

Scally delivered a solid 90-minute performance at center back, showcasing his defensive reliability with eight clearances and four tackles while winning 80% of his ground duels. The 22-year-old American was heavily involved, recording 78 touches and completing five passes into the final third. He also drew three fouls as Mainz struggled to break down Gladbach's organized defense.

Reyna played 69 minutes in an attacking midfield role, demonstrating technical quality with a perfect dribbling record (2/2) and an 85% pass completion rate. The 23-year-old created one chance and completed all of his crosses. He also contributed defensively with two tackles and an interception, winning five of six ground duels before being substituted.

The first half proved cagey, with Gladbach coming closest when Jens Castrop's effort was cleared off the line. They thought they'd scored from the resulting corner, but VAR spotted a handball that negated another own goal. Mainz's best opportunity fell to debutant Fabio Moreno Fell, who struck both the crossbar and post in quick succession, though the play was ruled offside.

After Gladbach's breakthrough, Mainz pressed for an equalizer, with Nelson Weiper missing several quality chances. However, the visitors' defense, anchored by Scally, held firm to secure three points. The victory lifted Gladbach to ninth place, while Mainz remained rooted to the bottom with their winless league run extending to nine matches.