USMNT advances to Gold Cup final after defeating Guatemala
- Diego Luna scored two goals early in the match, giving the U.S. a strong start at Energizer Park.
- A late goal by Guatemala created tension, but the U.S. defense secured the win.
- The victory earns the U.S. a place in the Gold Cup final, aiming for their eighth title.
In St. Louis, USA, on July 1, 2025, the U.S. men's national soccer team played against Guatemala in a crucial match that determined their place in the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The game, held at Energizer Park, marked the team's 13th appearance in a Gold Cup final. Early in the match, Diego Luna scored two quick goals, giving the U.S. a 2-0 lead. Despite a late goal from Guatemala in the 80th minute by Olger Escobar, the U.S. managed to hold onto their lead for a final score of 2-1. This victory set the stage for a showdown against either Mexico or Honduras in the final match scheduled for July 4, 2025. Following the game, U.S. Coach Mauricio Pochettino commented on the experience of playing in front of a pro-opposition crowd, comparing it to competing in Guatemala. He emphasized the importance of this atmosphere for building resilience and connection between the players and fans as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The U.S. team hopes to secure their eighth Gold Cup title in the final, building upon the momentum of their recent performance. The match against Guatemala also served as a reminder of the challenges faced in home games where the support might lean towards the opponents, which can be both a learning experience and a source of motivation for the U.S. players.