Concacaf Nations League

Gio Reyna finally speaks on Gregg Berhalter drama

The on-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder had a revindication game against Jamaica as the USMNT will now play the Nations League final against Mexico.

Giovanni Reyna of USA
Ā© IMAGO / Uwe KraftGiovanni Reyna of USA

Gio Reyna was the spark a horrible USMNT needed to get to the Concacaf Nations League final against Mexico on Sunday. The United States were 0-1 down after giving up a goal in the first 30 seconds and could not break through Jamaica’s low block.

Advertisement


Gregg Berhalter with few answers sent in Gio Reyna, who has not played much at both Borussia Dortmund and Nottingham Forest this season, and the USMNT prodigy showed that his lack of playing time is baffling as well as frustrating.

Reyna connected twice with Haji Wright for a deceptive 3-1 scoreline in extra time to lift the USMNT amid a lot of frustration about the team’s lack of cohesion since Berhalter returned.

Advertisement

After the game, Reyna spoke to Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports and for the first time ever spoke about the incident between himself, his dad, and Gregg Berhalter, both as a way to clear the air and finally move on.

Gio Reyna opens up about ReynaGate

Christian Pulisic calls Reyna-Berhalter debacle ā€˜childish’

see also

After providing two assists and quieting all the naysayers Reyna took a question that was on everybody’s mind, his relationship with Gregg Berhalter. ā€œObviously what happened, happened… ā€œI think both of us are so far past it and just so focused on the group that it’s not even an issue at all anymore. We’re just so far past it.ā€

Advertisement
Gio Reyna (L) of USA fights for the ball with Kasey Palmer (R) of Jamaica during the Semi-final match between United States (USA) and Jamaica as part of the 2024 Concacaf Nations League, at AT-T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, on March 21, 2024.

Gio Reyna (L) of USA fights for the ball with Kasey Palmer (R) of Jamaica during the Semi-final match between United States (USA) and Jamaica as part of the 2024 Concacaf Nations League, at AT-T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, on March 21, 2024.

Since Reyna and Berhalter reunited it has been Reyna who has saved Berhalter’s beacon, first being man of the match in a win over Ghana and on Thursday saving the day on what would have been a catastrophic result for the USMNT looking ahead to the Copa America.

Advertisement

While the US will play Mexico on Sunday for the Nations League final, questions on the team’s lack of good performances have begun to haunt Berhalter who moves to a 5-3 underwhelming record since his return.

Inter Miami: Lionel Messi and eight other players missing for next match against New York Red Bulls

see also

Despite the poor play Berhalter has positioned himself and the team to win their third Nations League in a row, and if the US does indeed win the Concacaf Nations League, Berhalter would tie Bruce Arena as the USMNT’s all-time winningest coach (titles) with three.

Advertisement
ALSO READ
USMNT: Mauricio Pochettino’s key takeaways from up-and-down first camp
Soccer

USMNT: Mauricio Pochettino’s key takeaways from up-and-down first camp

USMNT vs. Mexico: Mauricio Pochettino's projected starting XI
Soccer

USMNT vs. Mexico: Mauricio Pochettino's projected starting XI

Gianluca Busio gets his statement game for the USMNT in Mauricio Pochettino’s first match
Soccer

Gianluca Busio gets his statement game for the USMNT in Mauricio Pochettino’s first match

USMNT: Mauricio Pochettino talks about Christian Pulisic’s workload
Soccer

USMNT: Mauricio Pochettino talks about Christian Pulisic’s workload

Better Collective Logo