Gio Reyna, the rising star of the U.S. men’s national team, made a significant impact in Thursday’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Jamaica, coming off the bench to set up the crucial game-winning goal.
This match marked his first public appearance before the media since the 2022 World Cup, where he found himself entangled in a controversy involving himself, his parents, and U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter.
The saga unfolded shortly after the U.S. team’s exit from the prestigious tournament fifteen months ago. Berhalter disclosed his contemplation of sending Reyna home from Qatar due to the young player’s reluctance to accept a substitute role.
In response, Reyna’s parents, Claudio Reyna and Danielle Egan, both prominent figures in U.S. soccer history, retaliated by revealing an old domestic incident involving Berhalter and his now-wife to U.S. Soccer. This revelation led to Berhalter’s temporary departure from the coaching role for six months until an independent investigation permitted his return to the program.
Despite this tumultuous period, Berhalter reintegrated Reyna into the team in October, fielding him in the final four matches of 2023. However, Reyna remained silent on the matter until Thursday.
“Obviously what happened, happened,” Reyna commented when pressed about his experience playing under Berhalter following the widely publicized dispute. “I think both of us are so far past it and just so focused on the group that it’s not even an issue at all anymore. We’re just so far past it.”
This focus was evident on the field as Reyna demonstrated his prowess. He netted two goals in an October victory against Ghana and added another in November’s clash with Trinidad and Tobago during the Nations League quarterfinals.
Against Jamaica on Thursday, Reyna provided the crucial assists for forward Haji Wright’s two goals in extra time, securing a 3-1 triumph for the Americans and propelling them into the final on Sunday.
Berhalter lauded Reyna’s contributions, emphasizing his exceptional talent and quality despite limited playing time since his loan move to Nottingham Forest from Borussia Dortmund in January.
“I think he showed why he got called into camp,” Berhalter remarked. “Amazing quality, amazing talent. And for us, it’s about supporting him through the difficult times of adapting to the Premier League.”
“The coach added, “His quality is unquestionable when you see the plays he made on both the second and third goal. He has that quality that not many players have, and it’s clear that he deserves to play.”
