The U.S. Men’s National Team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over guatemala in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal on July 3, 2025, at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The win propelled the USMNT into the tournament final, set for Sunday in Houston. While the scoreline reflects advancement, the performance was far from comfortable, marked by an explosive start followed by extended periods of struggle against a determined Guatemalan side.
Explosive Start Seals Early Advantage
The match began with a bang for the United States. Just four minutes into the contest, forward Diego Luna capitalized on a rebound from a Gianluca de la Torre shot, tapping it into the net to give the USMNT an immediate 1-0 lead. The early goal set the tone for a dominant opening phase.
Luna wasn’t finished there. In the 15th minute, demonstrating skill and confidence, he drove towards the box, executed a stepover, and fired a precise shot from the edge of the area. This strike, described by some as a “banger,” found its way into the back of the net, doubling the American advantage to 2-0 within the first quarter-hour. Luna later attributed his strong performance and “meteoric rise” in the tournament to the freedom and trust provided by the coaching staff and his teammates.
USMNT Struggles Emerge After Quick Goals
Despite holding a comfortable 2-0 lead against FIFA’s 106th-ranked team, the USMNT failed to maintain their early intensity. For significant portions of the first half, Guatemala asserted unexpected control. By halftime, statistics revealed Guatemala had generated more Expected Goals (xG) and more than double the number of shots compared to the U.S. side.
Guatemala, spurred on by a passionate crowd of roughly 20,000 mostly pro-Guatemalan fans chanting “SÃ se puede!”, refused to collapse. Playing in their first Gold Cup semifinal in 29 years, “Los Chapines” displayed considerable fight and energy. They gradually grew into the game, finding space and creating legitimate scoring opportunities. The USMNT’s intensity visibly dipped for about 20 minutes, allowing Guatemala to dictate play and put pressure on the American defense. Former U.S. international Rubio Rubin, now playing for Guatemala, notably found chances inside the box.
Defensive Vulnerabilities Tested
The struggles were particularly evident in the American midfield and defense. Players like Sebastian Berhalter, Tyler Adams, and Luca de la Torre had difficulty controlling the center of the pitch, especially as the second half wore on. The defense, featuring Tim Ream and Chris Richards, was frequently under pressure, leading to fouls being committed. Left-back Max Arfsten, who had reportedly struggled defensively earlier in the tournament, faced challenges in this match as well, contributing to defensive lapses.
The USMNT’s difficulties were compounded by individual player struggles. Striker Patrick Agyemang, a regular starter, was noted as having a particularly challenging outing. His touches were sloppy, passes went astray, and finishing attempts were wide of the mark, leading to visible frustration among his teammates.
Guatemala Fights Back, Tense Finish
Guatemala’s persistence paid off in the 80th minute. Following a series of substitutions by the U.S., which included a questionable tactical decision to temporarily move Max Arfsten into a central defensive role, Guatemala found space in front of the American back line. Substitute Olger Escobar capitalized on this opening, firing a shot into the bottom corner to make the score 2-1.
The late goal ignited the stadium and created a tense final period. With their lead halved, the USMNT had to dig deep and “hang on for dear life.” Manager Mauricio Pochettino responded by fortifying the defense, bringing on extra defenders like Walker Zimmerman. Despite the disparity in player valuation – Guatemala’s entire roster was estimated to be worth only about one-fourth of Malik Tillman’s value alone – Guatemala pushed hard for an equalizer. Goalkeeper Matt Freese was called upon in stoppage time and delivered a crucial save to preserve the narrow lead and secure the victory.
Standout and Struggling Performances
While the team performance was inconsistent, several players had notable contributions. Diego Luna was rightfully named Man of the Match for his decisive brace. Although his attacking influence diminished after the early goals as he took on more defensive responsibility, his initial clinical finishing was paramount. Malik Tillman continued his strong tournament, described as a “revelation.” Playing as a winger and No. 10, he was heavily involved in attacking plays, leading the team in several categories, including goals (3) and defensive actions like tackles and recoveries. His form, following a good Eredivisie season, has sparked discussion about a potential World Cup starting role. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, despite some earlier inconsistencies, made vital saves in both halves, including the critical late stop. Conversely, Patrick Agyemang’s difficult game highlighted areas needing improvement.
Looking Ahead to the Gold Cup Final
The victory sends the USMNT to the Gold Cup final, scheduled for Sunday, July 6, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. They will face the winner of the other semifinal match between rivals Mexico and Honduras.
This current USMNT squad is notably different from the team that typically features key senior players like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, Yunus Musah, and Gio Reyna, who are unavailable for various reasons. Coach Pochettino has highlighted the “grit” and resilience of this group, which was evident in how they held on for the win against Guatemala after facing pressure. However, the unconvincing nature of the performance, particularly the defensive lapses and midfield control issues after the early goals, indicates that the team will need to significantly raise their game to compete against a higher-quality opponent in the final. Despite reaching the final, the victory over Guatemala highlighted significant areas for improvement and suggested the team “haven’t proven anything yet” against top competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the USMNT vs Guatemala Gold Cup semifinal?
The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Guatemala with a final score of 2-1 in the Gold Cup semifinal match played on July 3, 2025. The USMNT secured their two goals early in the first half, while Guatemala managed to score one goal late in the second half.
How did Diego Luna contribute to the USMNT’s win against Guatemala?
Diego Luna was the decisive player for the USMNT, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory. His first goal came just four minutes into the match from a rebound, and he quickly added a second goal in the 15th minute with a skilled finish. His brace provided the margin of victory and earned him Man of the Match honors.
Despite winning, what challenges did the USMNT face during the match?
Even after taking an early 2-0 lead, the USMNT struggled for large portions of the match against Guatemala. They experienced a significant dip in intensity, allowing Guatemala to control play and generate more shots and Expected Goals in the first half. Defensive issues, midfield control problems, and some individual player struggles were noted, making the finish tense after Guatemala scored in the 80th minute.
