Playmaker Scored on a Audacious Attempt, Bringing the 2022 Drama Full Circle
Entering as an 82nd-minute substitute for Malik Tillman, Reyna needed just 16 minutes to make his mark. With the U.S. already cruising and deep into stoppage time, the team strung together a sweeping move that carried the ball from end to end without a single Paraguayan touch. Alex Freeman slid a pass to Reyna at the edge of the box, and with two touches to set himself up, he curled a trivela, struck with the outside of his right foot, past goalkeeper Orlando Gill and into the far corner. It was his first World Cup goal and the 10th of his international career, and it sent Pochettino sprinting down the touchline to join the celebration.
Reyna marked the occasion by tucking the ball under his jersey and sucking his thumb, the traditional gesture for an expectant father. He revealed afterward that his wife, Chloe, is pregnant with the couple's first child, news he'd been sitting on for a couple of months while waiting for the right moment. He credited Chloe and his parents, former USMNT players Claudio and Danielle, with pushing him to be more aggressive and take more chances when the opportunity arises.
The goal also represented a measure of redemption. Reyna arrived at this tournament as one of Pochettino's more debated selections, having struggled for minutes at his German club and carrying baggage from the drama that overshadowed his role at the 2022 World Cup. Teammates, however, weren't surprised by the quality. Pulisic noted that Reyna shows that kind of skill in training regularly, adding that it was rewarding to see him produce it on the biggest stage.
For Reyna, the explanation was simple: he reacted instinctively, recognized the angle to the far post and let it fly.
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