This Saturday, the United States emerged victorious with a score of 2-1 against Paraguay during their friendly match at the Talen Energy Stadium. The home team took an early lead in the 4th minute, courtesy of a header from Gio Reyna. However, Paraguay quickly responded, leveling the game in the 9th minute with a powerful header from Alex Arce. The winning goal for the USA came in the 71st minute, following an excellent team play.
Folarin Balogun was the standout player of the match, impressing with one goal and two attempts on target. Likewise, Alex Arce showed his prowess, scoring once and also trying his luck at goal on two occasions.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of the USA deployed a 3-6-1 formation, featuring Matthew Freese in goal; a defensive line comprising Joe Scally, Miles Robinson, and Tim Ream; a midfield of Sergiño Dest, Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan, Max Arfsten, Gio Reyna, and Brenden Aaronson; and finally, Folarin Balogun leading the attack.
On the other hand, Paraguay, under the guidance of coach Gustavo Alfaro, opted for a 4-4-2 setup, with Orlando Gill guarding the net. Their defense included Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Júnior Alonso, and Blas Riveros, while their midfield consisted of Diego Gonzalez, Damián Bobadilla, Diego Gómez, and Miguel Ángel Almirón. Upfront, they paired Alex Arce and Julio Enciso.
The match was officiated by referee Cristopher Corado.
In their next fixture, the United States will face Uruguay at home, while Paraguay will take on Mexico as visitors.
Substitutions for the USA
66’ 2T – Joe Scally off for Diego Luna
67’ 2T – Sergiño Dest off for Alexander Freeman
74’ 2T – Gio Reyna off for Timothy Tillman and Folarin Balogun off for Ricardo Pepi
75’ 2T – Cristian Roldan off for Aidan Morris
Yellow Cards for the USA:
25’ 1T – Miles Robinson (Unsporting behavior)
36’ 1T – Gio Reyna (Unsporting behavior)
50’ 2T – Cristian Roldan (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Paraguay
60’ 2T – Diego Gonzalez off for Ramón Sosa
72’ 2T – Julio Enciso off for Braian Ojeda and Alex Arce off for Antonio Sanabria
79’ 2T – Diego Gómez off for Alejandro Romero Gamarra and Brenden Aaronson off for Sebastian Berhalter
Yellow Cards for Paraguay:
39’ 1T – Diego Gonzalez (Unsporting behavior)
36’ 2T – Damián Bobadilla (Unsporting behavior)
49’ 2T – Júnior Alonso (Unsporting behavior)
Red Card for Paraguay:
49’ 2T – Omar Alderete (Direct red)