Diego Luna Strikes Again as USMNT Downs Guatemala to Reach Gold Cup Final
Diego Luna just keeps proving why he’s one of the brightest young stars in U.S. Soccer right now. In a gritty semifinal showdown against Guatemala at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Luna delivered once again — pouncing on a rebound with composure and purpose to give the USMNT the lead, ultimately helping the team secure a place in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final.
Watching the moment unfold, it felt like Luna had been waiting for that exact opportunity all match. A shot ricocheted off the goalkeeper, and there he was — alert, agile, and confident — hammering the ball into the back of the net. That goal wasn't just a stat on the scoresheet; it was a spark. The U.S. needed a breakthrough, and Luna gave them one when it mattered most.
This was Luna’s second consecutive match contributing directly to the scoreboard, following his goal and assist against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. At just 21 years old, he now stands tied for the most goal contributions on the team in this tournament, alongside Patrick Agyemang and Malik Tillman. His ability to read the game, stay composed under pressure, and find space in critical moments is turning heads — not just among fans, but within coaching circles too.
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Head coach Mauricio Pochettino clearly sees something special in him. Luna has now started multiple matches this Gold Cup, and Pochettino hasn’t hesitated to keep him in the lineup. His decision to stick with the same starting XI from the quarterfinals paid off — and Luna’s inclusion again proved pivotal.
This semifinal win also carried deeper meaning. It marked the first time the U.S. faced Guatemala in a Gold Cup knockout round. While history favored the U.S. — with 16 wins, 5 losses, and 6 draws all-time versus Guatemala — knockout rounds add a different level of intensity. And that’s where Luna thrives.
Beyond the goal, Luna’s work rate and positioning were sharp throughout. His chemistry with midfielders like Luca de la Torre and Sebastian Berhalter continues to evolve, making the U.S. midfield look more fluid and dangerous each match. The combination of youth and experience in this squad is working — and Luna is right at the heart of it.
Now, with a place in the final secured, the spotlight grows even brighter. Questions are swirling: Is Diego Luna playing his way into the 2026 World Cup roster? With each match, he's making that case louder. If he keeps delivering moments like this, it’ll be hard for anyone — including Pochettino — to leave him off that plane.
For now, though, it’s all about the final. And thanks to Diego Luna’s clutch performance, the U.S. is one step closer to Gold Cup glory.
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