U-17 Eliminated

The Americans Fall in a Penalty Shootout to Morocco

The United States U-17 team suffered heartbreaking elimination from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, falling to Morocco 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. The devastating loss marks the third consecutive youth tournament elimination at the hands of Morocco, following defeats at the 2024 Olympics and the U20 World Cup earlier this year.

Coach Gonzalo Segares' squad appeared destined for the Round of 16 after dominating much of the match. Philadelphia Union academy product Jude Terry gave the Americans a 21st-minute lead, finishing clinically after connecting with a precise pass from teenage sensation Cavan Sullivan. The U.S. had been impressive throughout the group stage, becoming only the second American team to win all three group matches at this tournament, scoring four goals while conceding just one.

The match turned on two crucial penalty decisions. In the 74th minute, the United States was awarded a penalty that could have sealed victory, but Mathis Albert's attempt was sent wide. Morocco was also denied a possible penalty of their own during the intense contest. Morocco's relentless pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute when Abdellah Ouazane scored a spectacular equalizer, forcing the penalty shootout. Despite Ouazane going off injured, Morocco held their composure when it mattered most.

In the shootout, Bellaarouch became the hero, saving two American penalties. While Sullivan, Chase Adams, and Albert converted their attempts, both Maximo Carrizo and Cooper Sanchez failed from the spot, allowing Morocco to advance. The elimination represents a crushing disappointment for a talented U.S. squad featuring promising prospects. Sullivan, who has already featured in MLS this season, was particularly impressive, directly contributing to four of the team's five tournament goals with two goals and two assists.

Paraguay Ready for U.S. Test

Los Guaraníes Struggled in Recent Matches Against Japan and South Korea

Paraguay arrives in Pennsylvania riding high on the success of World Cup qualification, but seeks to rediscover its scoring touch ahead of next summer's tournament. Under coach Gustavo Alfaro, Los Guaraníes secured the final automatic CONMEBOL berth for the 2026 World Cup, marking their return to the global stage for the first time since 2010. They finished sixth in the grueling South American qualifying campaign, with seven wins, seven draws, and four losses, accumulating 28 points and a positive goal difference.

However, recent form suggests Alfaro has significant work ahead. Paraguay has won just one of their last five matches across all competitions—a narrow 1-0 victory over Peru. More concerning is their attacking struggles, as they failed to score in three of those five contests. Their most recent outing saw them fall 2-0 to South Korea, following a disappointing collapse against Japan, where they surrendered a 2-1 lead with a goal conceded in the 90+4th minute.

The South Americans bring an MLS-heavy roster to Chester, featuring several familiar names for American audiences. Atlanta United's Miguel Almirón headlines the group after his return to MLS following six years with Newcastle United in the Premier League. Real Salt Lake's Braian Ojeda and Vancouver Whitecaps' Andrés Cubas provide additional MLS representation, while defender Omar Alderete has impressed at Sunderland since his summer move. 21-year-old forward Julio Enciso, currently on loan from Brighton to Strasbourg, offers attacking flair.

Veteran defender Gustavo Gómez can make history this weekend, potentially moving into sole possession of eighth place on Paraguay's all-time caps list, surpassing Celso Ayala's mark of 85 appearances.

Paraguay hasn't defeated the United States since a 2011 friendly in Nashville and will be eager to break that drought. Their tactical flexibility—alternating between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations—provides Alfaro options as his team continues preparations for their World Cup return.

USA-Paraguay: A Soccer History

The U.S. Holds a 4-2-2 (WDL) Record Against the South American Side

The United States and Paraguay share a fascinating soccer history that spans nearly a century, beginning with one of the most memorable moments in World Cup lore. When the teams first met at the 1930 World Cup, the Americans secured a commanding 3-0 victory featuring Bert Patenaude's historic hat-trick—the first ever recorded in World Cup competition.

Following that inaugural encounter, the two nations wouldn't face each other again for 67 years. Their next meeting took place in 1997, resulting in a scoreless draw that marked the beginning of more regular competition. A year later, in March 1998, Chad Deering and Marcelo Balboa found the net in a 2-2 draw as both teams prepared for that summer's World Cup.

The early 2000s saw the United States assert dominance in the friendly series. In July 2003, American stars Landon Donovan and Earnie Stewart each scored in a comfortable 2-0 victory. However, competitive tournament play proved more challenging. At the 2007 Copa America, Paraguay handed the U.S. a 3-1 defeat in the group stage, exposing the gap between friendly results and high-stakes competition.

The rivalry continued to fluctuate through the 2010s. Paraguay claimed a 1-0 victory in a friendly in 2011, but when the stakes were highest, the Americans delivered. At the 2016 Copa America held on home soil, Clint Dempsey's 27th-minute strike secured a crucial 1-0 group stage win for the United States.

The most recent chapter came in a 2018 friendly when Bobby Wood converted a penalty kick in the 45th minute to deliver another 1-0 American victory. Overall, the United States holds a narrow 4-2-2 (WDL) record against the South American side—a competitive balance that reflects relatively even matchups despite the teams' different confederation strengths.

Striking Options

Balogun, Pepi and Wright All Vying for Time This Window

The U.S. Men's National Team enters the November international window with an unusual luxury: three in-form strikers competing for playing time. For a position that has plagued the USMNT for years, the emergence of Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, and Haji Wright offers both promise and difficult selection decisions for coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Pepi returns to the national team fold for the first time in a year, having battled through significant injury setbacks. The 22-year-old El Paso native required meniscus surgery that sidelined him for months, but he's recently rediscovered his form at PSV Eindhoven. With five goals in 12 matches this season—including multiple goals in the Champions League—Pepi has demonstrated resilience despite limited starting opportunities. His recent performances as a substitute have caught Pochettino's attention, even as the coach typically emphasizes regular club minutes for selection.

Balogun has positioned himself as the presumed starter after scoring crucial goals against Japan and Ecuador in recent months. The Monaco forward has scored four goals in 10 Ligue 1 appearances and boasts the versatility to play in various systems, with experience both as a lone striker and in partnerships.

Wright made the most of his October opportunity with a two-goal performance against Australia, building on his impressive form at Coventry City, where he's tallied eight goals in 14 Championship matches. The 26-year-old, who scored at the 2022 World Cup, has proven he can deliver when called upon.

The competition represents a dramatic shift from years of struggling to find reliable options at the position. With Christian Pulisic and other attacking talents absent from this camp, Pochettino may experiment with formations that accommodate multiple strikers, potentially deploying a 3-5-2 system. Regardless of tactics, the healthy competition among these three forwards gives the USMNT genuine depth as the World Cup approaches.

Reyna With a Point Prove

 Playmaker Needs a Big Week With the National Team

Gio Reyna finds himself at a crossroads as the U.S. Men's National Team prepares for November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay. After joining Borussia Mönchengladbach in the offseason, the 22-year-old midfielder has managed just 146 Bundesliga minutes this season, raising questions about his readiness for the 2026 World Cup. Despite these struggles, Reyna remains confident, asserting he will be part of the tournament when asked.

This international window marks Reyna's first call-up since March, when the USMNT suffered defeats to Panama and Canada in the Concacaf Nations League finals. He hasn't started for the national team since the disappointing 2024 Copa América, where the Americans exited in the group stage. With such limited recent involvement, these upcoming matches represent a crucial opportunity to prove his worth to head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The situation is complicated by lingering tensions from the 2022 World Cup. Reyna's relationship with then-coach Gregg Berhalter deteriorated amid behavioral concerns and limited playing time, eventually involving both the Reyna and Berhalter families in public controversy. Pochettino wants to leave that in the past.

Pochettino has made his expectations crystal clear, emphasizing that proper behavior is non-negotiable. The Argentine coach is willing to give Reyna a fresh start, but noted that past talent alone won't guarantee a roster spot. With key midfielders like Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie absent from this camp, Reyna has a clear path to minutes—if he can demonstrate the maturity and commitment Pochettino demands.

For Reyna, these friendlies aren't just about soccer; they're about redemption and proving he can contribute positively to the team environment as the World Cup approaches.