CONCACAF Gold Cup: USA Seal Finals Berth With Win Over Guatemala

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 08:25 IST

Diego Luna was the star on the day as his first-half brace outdid Olger Escobar's late strike to send the USA punch their ticket to the championship clash.

United States midfielder Diego Luna (10) controls the ball while under pressure from Guatemala midfielder Jonathan Franco (22) during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)

The United States of America moved into the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Thursday with their triumph over Guatemala at the Energizer Park, St. Louis.

Diego Luna was the star on the day as his first-half brace outdid Olger Escobar’s late strike to send the USA punch their ticket to the championship clash.

“Every single one of these players think about it the same way I do, that this is the number one dream we had as a kid and we are going to fight to have as many chances to wear this shirt as we can," said Luna following his heroics.

“He does stuff like that, scoring two goals like that in a semi-final, it is why he’s him and he’s one of the best players in MLS and one of the best players here," Berhalter said praising Luna’s contribution in the win.

Luna gave the USA the lead in the 4th minute when he capitalised on a parried shot by Luca de la Torre and slotted the ball home.

The winger, who progressed through lower division football in Texas, then doubled the advantage in the 15th minute with a brilliant individual goal. Luna picked up the ball in midfield and dribbled towards the goal, evading a challenge before firing home from over 20 yards out.

Guatemala striker Rubio Rubin had an effort saved by USA keeper Matt Freese and another disallowed for offside, much to the frustration of his team’s large and noisy travelling supporters.

Sebastian Berhalter nearly scored a third just before the break with a free-kick that deflected off the wall and was well saved by Kenderson Navarro.

Mauricio Pochettino’s USA, who entered the tournament on the back of a four-game losing streak, faced increasing pressure from a lively Guatemala side after the interval.

This pressure intensified when the Central Americans scored in the 80th minute, with Arquimides Ordonez dribbling into the box and 18-year-old Boston-born Olger Escobar firing home.

The home fans held their breath in stoppage time when Jose Morales drilled a low shot from the edge of the box, but Freese did well to get down and push the ball wide.

Luna’s performances will bolster his chances of making the squad for the World Cup next year, even when regular starters such as Christian Pulisic return.

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