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The United States may be without one of their most influential attackers—could Gio Reyna step up to deliver the spark they need in their second group-stage encounter?

SEATTLE – Gio Reyna’s goal served as inspiration for the believers—and perhaps a rebuttal to the sceptics. Or maybe it was simply a moment of brilliance from a player who had spent three and a half years working towards that world-class finish with the outside of his boot.

Whichever way one looks at it, that instant felt like Reyna’s arrival. After more than three years of frustration and setbacks defining his World Cup journey, he finally produced the moment that changed the narrative: a World Cup goal against Paraguay—a finish that marked one of the best results in his team’s history.

Now, the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) prepare for another monumental occasion: a World Cup battle with Australia in Seattle. A win would put the U.S. in prime position to top their group, paving the way for an unprecedented run on home soil. A draw or loss, however, would cast uncertainty over their campaign. Such are the fine margins in the World Cup.

Several players are capable of influencing those decisive moments. Christian Pulisic is one, though his availability for the next match remains uncertain. Others, such as Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, and Sergiño Dest, have also shown their ability to produce game-changing contributions.

And then there’s Reyna. After his recent heroics, the question now arises: can he take another step forward and become a key match-winner for the USMNT?

“I really want to make that next step,” Reyna told GOAL earlier this month. “I really believe I can. I want to stay fit. I’m doing a lot off the field to maintain that as best as I can.”

He added, “I just want to make the most of the talent I have. Hopefully, this World Cup can be the start of that journey.”

That journey seemed to ignite against Paraguay—and it may only be the beginning.

The Paraguay Performance

Shortly after scoring the most significant goal of his young career, Reyna admitted he hasn’t been taking enough shots. His family and close friends have been encouraging him to be more assertive in front of goal, aiming to boost his confidence for those decisive moments.

“I know I have a good shot, but sometimes I’m in position and look to pass first,” Reyna said after the match. “They want me to be a bit more selfish at times. My natural instinct is to involve others—I love setting up teammates as much as scoring myself. So I just try to do whatever helps.”

What helped against Paraguay was a breathtaking trivela. Set up by Alex Freeman, Reyna surged towards the box and curled a shot with the outside of his foot past goalkeeper Orlando Gill, leaving him no chance. In just eight minutes, Reyna managed 14 touches—but that one touch reaffirmed his immense talent. Despite setbacks and injuries, Reyna remains a ‘special’ player, as Mauricio Pochettino describes him—and special players produce special moments.

The U.S. might need another such moment on Friday if Pulisic is unavailable. Could Reyna be the man to fill that void?

The Case for Reyna

While much has been made of what Reyna hasn’t done, it’s worth focusing on what he brings. At his core, he is an exceptionally creative player who consistently delivers in big moments, particularly for the USMNT.

Friday’s match is undoubtedly a big one. Few moments compare to a World Cup fixture on home soil. Reyna’s track record in high-pressure games is among the best in the current squad—he has impressed in major Nations League encounters and, of course, against Paraguay.

If Pulisic is sidelined, the team will require Reyna’s inventiveness. Australia have shown, particularly against a talented Turkish side, that they can be difficult to break down. To breach the Socceroos’ defence, the U.S. will need flashes of individual brilliance—a dribble, a decisive pass, or perhaps another unexpected trivela to stun the opposition.

Reyna provides those moments more often than most. His goal last weekend will have restored confidence that had fluctuated in recent years. Certain games demand certain types of players—and against a side set to defend deep, Reyna’s creativity could be vital.

The Case Against Him

However, questions remain over Reyna’s readiness for this particular test. Over the past few years, he has battled numerous injuries that have disrupted his rhythm and limited his physical sharpness. Key running metrics suggest he has struggled to consistently hit top speed throughout matches, which partly explains his limited playing time at club level.

“Deep down, I really trust in my ability and what I can do any time I’m on the pitch,” Reyna told GOAL. “Of course, it’s not easy when you’re only getting 20 minutes. Game-to-game rhythm matters, and that’s what I’m working on to take the next step in my career.”

While his lack of raw pace might not be a major issue against Australia, his ability to cope with their physicality could be. The Socceroos’ defence is known for its toughness—Pulisic himself learned that the hard way when he was fouled heavily during their previous encounter. The Australian backline boasts several players over six feet three inches and prides itself on its aggressive approach.

Given Reyna’s injury history, there are legitimate concerns about whether he can withstand such physical battles. Alternatives like Alejandro Zendejas or Brenden Aaronson could offer more energy. Weston McKennie or Malik Tillman might push further forward, allowing Sebastian Berhalter or Cristian Roldan to slot in. Tim Weah could also start to stretch the defence and open up spaces.

Still, Reyna’s creative upside might outweigh his limitations if he’s called upon.

Helping the Team

Ultimately, Reyna remains a potential difference-maker in various roles. He could start to set the tone early or come off the bench, as he did against Paraguay, to change the game’s momentum. For Reyna, the role doesn’t matter—he insists he’s ready to contribute in any capacity.

“I’ve always been confident—that’s never been an issue,” he said. “For me, it’s simple: I’ll do whatever I can to help the team. Whether it’s playing 90 minutes, not playing at all, or coming on as a substitute like I did against Paraguay, I just try to help and stay positive.”

That goal against Paraguay reminded everyone of Reyna’s potential. Friday’s clash could provide him yet another chance to prove it on the biggest stage of all.