The United States men’s team earned a 2-1 win over Paraguay on Saturday in Pennsylvania, and the night brought an important moment for the team. The focus was on the Gio Reyna USMNT return. The midfielder scored an early goal and played a major role in the final strike. His strong showing gave the team hope as they move toward the upcoming World Cup. The match was a friendly, but it carried weight because the team has only a few chances left to build a stable squad before the next global tournament. Reyna’s start was a surprise to some fans because he has not had consistent minutes with his club this season. He also faced injuries earlier in the year, leaving many unsure how much he could contribute. But he needed only a few minutes to make an impact. In the fourth minute, he rose to meet a cross and sent a soft header off the bar and across the line. It was a simple finish but a big moment for a player who has dealt with setbacks for almost two years. The early goal gave the team confidence, but many challenges remained. Paraguay equalized within minutes when a long ball exposed a gap in the American backline. The defense left too much space for the visiting attacker, who scored with ease. It showed the ongoing issues the team has had with shape, awareness, and quick pressure. The United States has been adjusting to a three-man backline for most of the year. The system can help the attack, but it demands perfect timing in defense, and that timing was not always present. The team also played without key players who often lead the attack and midfield. With major names missing, the group needed to test new options. This made the match even more important. Reyna used the moment well. He controlled the ball with calm touches, looked sharp in short passes, and moved with confidence. He played longer than expected, staying on the field for 75 minutes. This meant he played more minutes in one match than he has in months at club level. The defensive setup also included a new role for Joe Scally, who plays with Reyna at his club. He took a spot on the right side of the back three when the team had the ball. When the team lost the ball, he shifted wider into a right-back role. He had a difficult moment or two but settled in as the match continued. Other defenders also showed signs of strain. Poor awareness in the first half led to rushed passes and lost possession. Paraguay used those mistakes to push forward, but the home team held strong enough to stay level. As the second half moved on, the United States pushed harder and finally found the winning chance. Reyna carried the ball toward the endline and played a low pass across goal. The ball hit a defender and bounced toward Folarin Balogun, who finished from close range. The goal rewarded the pressure the team applied over several stretches. It also gave Reyna a goal and an assist in the same match, a rare double for him in recent years as he works to rebuild form. The match also held value because of past events. Reyna last played heavy minutes for the team during a loss to Uruguay in the 2024 Copa América. That match closed a difficult chapter and marked the end of the previous coaching era. The United States will face Uruguay again on Tuesday in Florida. The team hopes that this time, the group will be stronger, healthier, and more stable. The win over Paraguay gave them a better starting point. The team still has issues to solve as the World Cup gets closer. They need a smoother backline, faster reactions, and sharper choices on the ball. But the Gio Reyna USMNT return gave the team a spark that has been missing. His goal, his assist, and his long stretch of play all showed that he can become a key part of the attack again. The next match will show if he can keep that level as the team prepares for a major year ahead.