Giovanni Reyna Shines as United States Defeat Ghana 4-0 in Friendly Match
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – Giovanni Reyna showcased his talent by scoring his first goals for the United States since 2021 in a dominant 4-0 victory over Ghana at Geodis Park on Tuesday night. The American team bounced back from a disappointing 3-1 loss to Germany, with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun also finding the back of the net after Reyna opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
Reyna’s performance was particularly significant as it marked only his second game back with the U.S. national team since the 2021 World Cup. During the tournament, Reyna was utilized sparingly due to off-field issues. However, he made the most of his opportunity in Gregg Berhalter’s starting lineup and scored his first goal with the national team since June 9, 2021, when they faced Costa Rica.
After fracturing his leg last June, Reyna has been working hard to regain his fitness. He played the first half of the match against Ghana, just as he did in his previous game. It was also his first game under Berhalter since their falling out in Qatar, which occurred during the team’s 3-1 defeat to Germany.
Reyna continued to impress, adding his second goal before halftime. The U.S. was awarded an indirect free kick in Ghana’s penalty box, and Pulisic cleverly rolled the ball in front of Reyna, who made no mistake with a close-range finish. This goal extended the Americans’ lead to 4-0 going into the break.
Looking ahead, Berhalter’s focus will shift to the upcoming two-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal, where the U.S. will aim to secure a spot in the 2024 Copa America. The team will draw strength from their solid performance against Ghana as they prepare for this important competition.
Ghana has been a formidable opponent for the United States in the past. The Black Stars eliminated the U.S. from the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, but the Americans got off to a promising start in the 2014 tournament, defeating Ghana. The victory against Ghana in this friendly match was particularly satisfying for the U.S., as it equaled their highest victory margin against an African opponent, previously set against South Africa in 2000.
The opening goal came thanks to some brilliant play from Sergiño Dest, who dribbled towards the goal and passed the ball wide to Balogun. Balogun’s cross ricocheted off defender Nicholas Opoku, falling perfectly for Reyna to strike with his right foot from 12 yards out.
Pulisic added to the American tally by converting a penalty kick after Tim Weah was fouled by Gideon Mensah. Weah played a pivotal role in the third goal as well, capitalizing on Jerome Opoku’s failure to control a pass on the flank. Weah found Balogun, who scored from the middle of the penalty area, securing his third goal in six appearances.
Reyna completed his brace from an indirect free kick awarded 10 yards out due to Opoku sitting on the ball. He passed the ball to Pulisic, who played it back, allowing Reyna to strike the ball into the roof of the net.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner had little to do throughout the match but made an excellent save to deny Mohammed Kudus’ 41st-minute shot, sending it over the crossbar.
In a notable moment, Lennard Maloney, a 24-year-old midfielder born in Germany, made his debut for the U.S., becoming the 60th player to do so under Berhalter’s management.
On the other hand, Ghana struggled to find their rhythm and suffered their second consecutive defeat after a five-match unbeaten streak under coach Chris Hughton. Having lost 2-0 against Mexico in their previous match, the Black Stars are now looking to regroup as they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign next month.
The United States, as one of the co-hosts, has already secured an automatic World Cup berth. Their victory over Ghana serves as a testament to the team’s progress and their aspirations for success in future international competitions.
(Note: Information from The Associated Press contributed to this article)