The USMNT continued their quest for World Cup qualification with a usually fiery contest against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Following two halves of gritty football, the scores remained level at 0-0, and with a point, the Americans inched closer to securing a World Cup berth.
The score could have easily been different but they were let down by their finishing on numerous occasions.
While the usual heavy hitters of USMNT were unable to establish a grip on the game, up-stepped 19-year-old Gio Reyna, and produced a dazzling run during his appearance as a sub.
Fans have witnessed flashes of the Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s talent, and this game provided for one such display.
Reyna came on in the 60th minute and looked bright from the get-go.
In the 77th minute, Reyna collected the ball from near his own half, put his head down and ventured forward with intention.
He dashed past a trio of challenges before crossing the halfway line and kept running forward with the ball glued to his feet. El Tri defenders continued to slide in, but the 19-year-old brushed them brilliantly.
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His 16-second long solo effort was eventually stopped right as the American reached a threatening position, an anti-climatic end for a truly brilliant effort.
Fans weren’t alone in admiring Reyna’s effort, as his manager Gregg Berhalter laid the highest of praises on the youngster.
He said, “Mexico was the host of the ’86 World Cup where Maradona scored his wonderful goal, and I had visions of that when Gio was dribbling.”
Considering the upward trajectory the 19-year-old is currently on, it’s safe to assume that it wouldn’t be long until Reyna nails down a starting spot in the American eleven.
