Diego Luna propelled the U.S. Men's National Team into the CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a stellar performance, scoring both goals in their 2-1 victory over Guatemala. The match, held in front of a lively, pro-Guatemala crowd in St. Louis, saw Luna showcase his talent and composure, securing the USA's spot in their 13th Gold Cup final.
Luna, a midfielder for Real Salt Lake, wasted no time in making his mark. In the 4th minute, he capitalized on a rebound after a shot from Luca de la Torre was deflected by Guatemala's goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro, calmly slotting the ball home with his left foot. Just eleven minutes later, Luna doubled the lead with a remarkable solo effort. Receiving a long ball from Malik Tillman, he skillfully maneuvered past a defender at the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the lower left corner of the net. These goals were Luna's second and third of the tournament, with his first coming in the quarterfinal against Costa Rica.
Despite Luna's early heroics, Guatemala proved to be a tough opponent. Olger Escobar's goal in the 80th minute added late suspense to the match. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made a crucial diving save in stoppage time to prevent a late equalizer. The USMNT had to withstand a barrage of pressure, especially towards the end of the first half, where Guatemala outshot them 12-2.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for the USMNT, who had entered the Gold Cup after a four-game losing streak. Now, they stand just one win away from claiming their eighth Gold Cup title. The United States won the inaugural tournament in 1991 and last lifted the trophy in 2021. Only two players from the 2021 starting XI, Matt Turner and Miles Robinson, are on the current roster, highlighting the emergence of new faces like Luna.
Luna's outstanding performances have solidified his place as a key player in the team and has increased his chances of being included in the 2026 World Cup squad. His creativity, confidence, and determination on the field have been impossible to ignore. At this time last year, Luna was disappointed for not being selected for the U.S. Olympic team for the Paris Games.
The USMNT now awaits the winner of the Mexico vs. Honduras semifinal match. The final will be held on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston. A victory in the final would not only secure their eighth Gold Cup title but also provide a significant boost as they prepare to co-host the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
