The United States Men’s National Team has punched its ticket to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final. A hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guatemala in the semifinal match on Wednesday, July 2, secured the Americans’ place in the tournament’s ultimate contest. The win, characterized by an explosive early start followed by a tense defensive stand, marks a significant turning point for a team that entered the competition facing questions about recent form.
Held at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, the semifinal delivered drama. While the scoreboard favored the Stars and Stripes, the match offered valuable lessons and highlighted areas for growth as the team looks ahead to the final and beyond.
Early Brilliance Sets the Tone
The usmnt wasted no time asserting control. Rising American talent Diego Luna delivered a performance that will long be remembered as the catalyst for the win. Just four minutes into the contest, Luna found the back of the net. Capitalizing on a rebound after Guatemalan goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro struggled with a shot from Luca de la Torre, Luna was in the right place at the right time to put the USMNT ahead 1-0.
Luna wasn’t finished there. Only eleven minutes later, in the 15th minute, he struck again. Receiving a precise long pass from Malik Tillman, Luna skillfully navigated a defender at the edge of the box. He then unleashed a powerful shot into the lower left corner, doubling the lead with a spectacular solo effort. This quick brace gave the USMNT a commanding 2-0 advantage and initially suggested the match might be decided early.
Luna’s ‘Moon Boy’ Magic
Diego Luna’s two-goal outing was a decisive factor in the USMNT’s advancement. His ability to create and finish under pressure earned him the official Man of the Match honors. Speaking after the game, Luna credited his performance to finding a rhythm and benefiting from the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and teammates. He noted that confidence in the team’s defensive support allowed him the freedom to express himself offensively on the ball. This breakout performance, particularly his impressive second goal, showcased the “swagger” that the USMNT needed to secure the win. It further solidifies his status, building on recognition like the 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year award.
Guatemala Fights Back with Determination
Despite falling behind early, Guatemala, playing in their first Gold Cup semifinal in 29 years, refused to capitulate. Managed by Luis Fernando Tena, the Chapines displayed resilience and a tenacious fighting spirit throughout the match. Even with the USMNT holding a seemingly comfortable 2-0 lead, Guatemala began to gain territory and create scoring opportunities.
The atmosphere at Energizer Park, energized by a largely pro-Guatemala crowd chanting “Sí se puede!” (Yes you can!), seemed to fuel their comeback bid. The FIFA 106th-ranked side, which had upset Canada in the quarterfinals via penalties, showed why they earned their spot in the final four. By halftime, surprisingly, Guatemala held advantages in Expected Goals and had more than double the number of shots compared to the United States, indicating the USMNT’s intensity had dipped after the early goals.
A Tense Finish
Guatemala’s persistence paid off in the second half. In the 80th minute, Olger Escobar capitalized on a moment of vulnerability from the US defense. Assisted by Arquímides Ordóñez, Escobar finished “beautifully” with a shot to the far post, cutting the deficit to 2-1. This goal, Escobar’s second of the tournament, injected significant tension into the final minutes of the match.
With the scoreline narrowed, Guatemala pressed hard for an equalizer. In stoppage time, a golden opportunity fell to José Morales. However, USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese came up big, making a crucial save to deny Morales and preserve the 2-1 lead. This vital stop sealed the victory and sent the USMNT through, though not without a nervy final sequence where the team had to “hold on for dear life.”
Analyzing the USMNT’s Performance
While the result is undoubtedly positive – securing a spot in the Gold Cup final – the USMNT’s performance against Guatemala wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. After taking the rapid 2-0 lead, the team’s intensity reportedly dropped for about 20 minutes, during which Guatemala was the dominant side. The second half saw the US stabilize somewhat, but individual performances were noted as uneven, particularly that of striker Patrick Agyemang. His play was described as his “worst game,” marked by sloppy touches and errant passes.
The match highlighted that while the early dominance and individual brilliance of Diego Luna were enough to win this semifinal, the team’s ability to maintain consistent pressure and control for the full 90 minutes will be crucial against tougher opposition in the final. The need for defensive substitutions late in the game, bringing on Walker Zimmerman and a second left back, underscored the pressure faced in the final quarter-hour.
The Path to the Final
This victory holds significant weight for the USMNT under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. It breaks a pre-tournament streak of four consecutive losses and puts the team just one win away from their first trophy under his leadership. Winning the Gold Cup would mark the USMNT’s eighth title in this competition, providing a major boost in momentum less than a year before they co-host the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The win over Guatemala means the USMNT will face the winner of the other semifinal between regional rivals Mexico and Honduras. That match was scheduled to follow the USA-Guatemala game at 10 p.m. ET on FS1. The highly anticipated Gold Cup final is set for Sunday, July 6, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri
Initial Broadcast: FS1, Univision
Streaming: Fox Sports, Fubo, Sling TV
Key Players & Moments
Diego Luna: Scored two decisive goals (4′, 15′), named Man of the Match.
Olger Escobar: Scored Guatemala’s goal (80′).
Matt Freese: USMNT goalkeeper, made crucial stoppage-time save.
Malik Tillman: Assisted Luna’s second goal.
Arquímides Ordóñez: Assisted Escobar’s goal.
José Morales: Nearly scored equalizer in stoppage time, denied by Freese.
Yellow Cards Issued
Discipline was a factor, with several players receiving cautions. It’s worth noting that a second yellow card in the tournament would result in a suspension for the final.
USA’s Chris Richards | 45’+1′
Guatemala’s Stheven Robles | 49′
USA’s Diego Luna | 51′
- USA’s Matt Freese | 77′
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Gold Cup Semifinal Rules
Unlike the final, Gold Cup semifinals do not feature extra time. If the match is tied after 90 minutes of regulation, it proceeds directly to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. The USMNT avoided this scenario with their 2-1 victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the USMNT reach the 2025 Gold Cup final?
The United States Men’s National Team advanced to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final by defeating Guatemala 2-1 in the semifinal match on July 2nd. American forward Diego Luna scored two early goals in the 4th and 15th minutes, which ultimately proved to be enough for the win. Guatemala scored a late goal in the 80th minute, but the USMNT held on, thanks in part to a crucial stoppage-time save by goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Where was the USMNT vs Guatemala Gold Cup semifinal match played?
The Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal match between the United States and Guatemala took place at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri. This venue hosted the crucial knockout stage game that determined the first finalist for the 2025 tournament.
Who were the key USMNT players in the semifinal win over Guatemala?
The standout player for the USMNT in their 2-1 semifinal victory against Guatemala was Diego Luna. He scored both American goals, finding the net in the 4th and 15th minutes, and was named Man of the Match for his performance. Goalkeeper Matt Freese also played a vital role, making a critical save in stoppage time to preserve the lead and secure the win.
Conclusion
The USMNT’s 2-1 win over Guatemala in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal was a vital step, securing passage to the final. While Diego Luna’s early goals provided the necessary advantage, the match demonstrated the team’s need to maintain focus and intensity against determined opponents. Guatemala’s late surge tested the American defense, underscoring the competitive nature of the tournament. Heading to Houston, the USMNT now awaits the winner of the Mexico-Honduras clash, ready to vie for an eighth Gold Cup title and build momentum as they prepare for future international challenges, including co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stage is set for a compelling final.
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