USA vs. Guatemala: Key Takeaways from the Thrilling 2-1 Victory on July 2, 2025 – In-Depth Game Analysis

ST. LOUIS — Diego Luna was the star of the night, scoring two quick goals as the United States defeated Guatemala 2-1. This win puts the U.S. in the Concacaf Gold Cup final for the first time since 2021.

Luna kicked things off with a left-foot shot just four minutes in. Eleven minutes later, he scored again, this time with his right foot, marking his third goal in just two matches.

Late in the game, Olger Escobar, an 18-year-old from Lynn, Massachusetts, made his mark too. He scored for Guatemala in the 80th minute, keeping the pressure on the U.S. just before the end of the match. Matt Freese, the U.S. goalkeeper, had a busy night, especially toward the end. He blocked several shots, despite an impressive performance by Guatemala, which outshot the U.S. 13-1 in the last half hour of the first half.

The U.S. will face either Mexico or Honduras in the final this Sunday in Houston. Historically, the U.S. has had a tough time in finals against Mexico, with five losses.

Luna’s first goal came after some teamwork. Malik Tillman set up Luca de la Torre, whose shot was bobbled by goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro. Luna was quick to react, putting the ball in the net. His second goal showcased his skill; after dribbling past a defender, he found the inside of the near post from just outside the box.

Interestingly, Guatemala had two former U.S. players on their roster. Rubio Rubin, who played for the U.S. from 2014 to 2018, and Aaron Herrera, who made a brief appearance for the U.S. in 2021, both switched allegiances recently.

Despite a late push from Guatemala, which saw a disallowed goal by Rubin for offside, the U.S. managed to hold on. This match sets the stage for what should be an exciting final.

Looking ahead, it’s worth noting that this upcoming game is crucial for the U.S. as they prepare for their World Cup opener next June. As of now, Mexico has won the Gold Cup nine times, while the U.S. has seven. With such a rich history in this tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

For more detailed information about the tournament’s history, you can visit the official Concacaf Gold Cup Page.

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