USMNT come out victorious in Chester

An overwhelming amount of Paraguay supporters at Subaru Park on Saturday did not stop the United States Men’s National Team from coming out on top in their first of two November friendlies.

USA struck first in the 6th minute with a header from Gio Reyna, hitting the crossbar and into the net. A beautiful cross from the right side gave Reyna the perfect setup for a header. The assist from Max Arfsten takes his assist tally to five, the most from a USA player in 2025.

Paraguay wasted little time with its response, however. In the 9th minute, Paraguay forward Alex Arce found himself completely unmarked with an easy tap-in header, leveling the game.

“I think we all agree that we cannot concede this type of goal. It was so easy,” U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “During the week, we were working on this concept. We knew that this long ball could find us in a situation where they are very good. But, for sure it’s my responsibility, I don’t blame the player.”

For the next 20 minutes, the U.S. managed to create many chances. However, some were cleared out by Paraguay’s defense, and some failed to reach Folarin Balogun’s cuts in the box.

USA was given two cautions: Miles Robinson in the 26th minute and Gio Reyna in the 36th minute. At the half, the game was level as both teams looked to create something in the second half.

Ten minutes into the second half, both teams struggled to get shots on goal. USA maintained most of the possession but couldn’t get through on goal.

In the 60th minute, USA increased the intensity. Whatever change Pochettino made worked because USA was given two corners and kept control of the game. Max Arfsten worked great defensively to get the ball back to the attack.

“The thing that really stuck out to me tonight was the intensity of the group,” Brenden Aaronson said. “I thought everybody was really focused. I thought everybody wanted to prove something, which is always a great sign.”

In the 71st minute, the hard work paid off as Balogun found the ball at his feet in the center of the box. With a powerful left-footed strike, Balogun slotted the ball in the bottom-right corner of the net, giving USA a 2-1 lead. Balogun has scored in each of his last three starts for USA.

A scuffle in the 92nd minute between the Paraguay captain, Gustavo Gomez, and USA’s Alex Freeman led to both benches being cleared and a red card for a Paraguay substitute. 

“I didn’t really know what started it or what happened,” Arfsten said. “I just kind of ran when everybody else started running. I’m glad everyone’s okay, but yeah, it’s kind of crazy.”

USA held the ball until the final whistle, sealing the 2-1 win.

The USMNT will travel to Tampa, Florida, to face off against Uruguay on Tuesday, November 18, to close out the November Camp.