Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2025. 7:40 pm CST.
Diego Luna scored a brace for the United States in 2-1 semifinal win over Guatemala on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Photo Credit: U.S. Soccer
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The United States are through to the Concacaf Gold Cup final—but not without surviving a furious late push by an inspired Guatemala side. In a dramatic 2–1 semifinal victory at Energizer Park in St. Louis, the U.S. capitalized early and then clung on late, weathering waves of Guatemalan pressure in a match that gripped fans from the first whistle to the last.
Luna’s Early Brilliance
The Americans surged out of the gate behind the clinical finishing of Diego Luna, who netted twice in the first 15 minutes to give the hosts a commanding cushion. His first strike came in the 4th minute, a curling effort inside the far post after a neat exchange on the edge of the box. Luna doubled the lead at minute 15, pouncing on a deflected shot and burying it from close range.
Guatemala’s Late Roar
Guatemala, undeterred and gaining confidence as the match wore on, began dictating possession and pushing the U.S. deep into their defensive third midway through the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Ólger Escobar latched onto a cross and powered a header past the American keeper to make it 2–1.
The final ten minutes were a siege, with Guatemala pressing high and nearly equalizing on multiple occasions. In stoppage time, José Morales unleashed a shot that was parried by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese toward the far post—a heart-stopping moment that nearly leveled the score. Guatemala also had a goal ruled out for offside and came close on multiple occasions, keeping the American backline and their supporters on edge until the final whistle
The United States defense held firm managing to book their ticket to Houston.
With the win, the United States await the winner of tonight’s other semifinal between Mexico and Honduras, set to kick off at 7:00 pm at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. That clash promises fireworks of its own as two fierce regional rivals battle for a spot in the July 6 final at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Full-Time: USA 2–1 Guatemala
Goals:
- USA: Diego Luna (4’, 15’)
- Guatemala: Ólger Escobar (80’)
Venue: Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri
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The post Concacaf Gold Cup: USA hold off surging Guatemala to reach Final appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2025. 7:40 pm CST. Diego Luna scored a brace for the United States in 2-1 semifinal win over Guatemala on Wednesday, July
The post Concacaf Gold Cup: USA hold off surging Guatemala to reach Final appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
