United States 4-0 Ghana (Oct 17, 2023) Game Analysis

Giovanni Reyna achieves milestone with first goals for the United States in 4-0 victory over Ghana

In an impressive 4-0 friendly win against Ghana at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday night, Giovanni Reyna made his mark by scoring his first goals for the United States since 2021. This triumph came just days after the Americans suffered a 3-1 loss to Germany. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun also contributed to the victory with goals of their own.

This game was particularly significant for Reyna, as it marked only his second appearance with the U.S. team since last year’s World Cup. Due to off-field issues, he was not given many opportunities to play during the tournament. However, in this match, Reyna capitalized on his place in the starting lineup chosen by coach Gregg Berhalter and secured his first goal for the national team since June 9, 2021, when they faced Costa Rica.

Reyna has been working hard to regain his fitness after fracturing his leg in June of last year. This match was his second consecutive half played since his return. It is worth noting that the game against Germany on Saturday was his first appearance under Berhalter since their dispute during the Qatar tournament.

“Gio has shown an incredible amount of focus and ability since day one of this camp,” commented Berhalter. “When he performs like he did throughout this entire camp, he becomes a valuable asset to this group. It’s fantastic to see him respond in this manner.”

Reyna opted not to speak with reporters after the game, as he has refrained from doing so since the World Cup.

Reyna added a second goal just before halftime from an indirect free kick awarded in Ghana’s box. Pulisic executed a precise pass to set up his teammate’s close-range finish, extending the Americans’ lead to 4-0.

Following a series of four friendly matches, Berhalter will now lead the U.S. team in a two-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal next month, with qualification spots for the 2024 Copa America at stake.

Ghana has been a challenging opponent for the U.S. in previous World Cups, having eliminated them in 2006 and 2010. However, the Americans began the 2014 tournament with a victory over the Black Stars. The 4-0 win against Ghana in this friendly match matches the U.S. team’s highest victory margin against an African opponent, a record set against South Africa in 2000.

The opening goal came when Sergiño Dest initiated a dribble towards the goal and passed wide to Balogun, whose cross deflected off defender Nicholas Opoku. The ball fell perfectly for Reyna, who swiftly struck it into the net with his right foot from approximately 12 yards away.

Pulisic extended the lead by converting a penalty kick in the 28th minute after Tim Weah was fouled by Gideon Mensah.

In the build-up to the third goal, Jerome Opoku failed to control a pass on the flank while under pressure from the U.S. team. Weah seized the opportunity, picked up the ball, and delivered a precise cross to Balogun. With a deft touch, Balogun scored from inside the penalty area, earning his third goal in six appearances.

Reyna completed his brace from a 10-yard indirect free kick, which was awarded when Opoku sat on the ball. Reyna cleverly poked the ball to Pulisic, who returned it, allowing Reyna to strike it into the top corner of the net.

“In addition to his goalscoring ability, it was evident how Reyna influenced the team’s attacking play,” stated Berhalter. “His composure and ability to bring other players into the attack were vital during the game’s crucial moments.”

Goalkeeper Matt Turner, who faced minimal pressure throughout the match, made an impressive save in the 41st minute to tip Mohammed Kudus’ shot over the crossbar.

Lennard Maloney, a 24-year-old midfielder born in Germany, made his debut for the U.S. team in the 65th minute, becoming the 60th player to do so under Berhalter’s management.

Ghana, ranked 60th in the world, was coming off a 2-0 defeat against Mexico and has now suffered consecutive losses following a five-match unbeaten streak under coach Chris Hughton, who took charge in February. The Black Stars will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign next month.

The U.S. team, as one of the co-hosts for the World Cup, has secured an automatic berth in the tournament.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.