da bet vitoria: The 20-year-old midfielder was one of several standout performers as the U.S. crushed the Black Stars.
da supremo: On Tuesday, we got a look at what it's like to see a healthy Gio Reyna unleashed for the USMNT. It's been a long time since we saw Reyna this decisive and a long time since we saw him totally dominate a game in this way.
Injuries and off-field drama have been the talking points around Reyna for the better part of 2023, but Tuesday's dominant performance against Ghana was a huge reminder in just how good Reyna, the player, can be. He scored twice, netting his first-ever international brace with one from open play and one from an indirect free kick, while totally running the game from the No. 10 spot.
He wasn't the only USMNT star to step up, even if he was the best player on the pitch throughout his 45 minutes. Christian Pulisic joined him on the scoresheet, burying a penalty for his second goal this window while Folarin Balogun did found the back of the net as well, turning and firing a fantastic finish into the top-corner.
If this is what the U.S. can do in their 4-2-3-1 formation, there's plenty of reason for hope. The USMNT still has a lot of growing to do, as do the players that comprise this group, but this lopsided win was enough to end the camp on a high, even with their Saturday defeat against Germany.
GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Geodis Park…
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Matt Turner (7/10):
An absolutely spectacular save just before the break as Turner showed an insane change-of-direction to get to a deflected shot.
Kristoffer Lund (7/10):
A bit overshadowed by Dest's work on the other side, but Lund was also good in a game that was a big step up. Definitely did enough to remain involved as Antonee Robinson's understudy.
Miles Robinson (6/10):
Wasn't tested much, but handled whatever mini-tests Ghana threw at him.
Chris Richards (7/10):
Totally smooth on the ball and didn't need to do much off of it. A good bounce-back game, even if Ghana didn't ask many questions of him.
Sergino Dest (8/10):
This is the version of Dest the USMNT needed vs Germany. A fantastic performance from the PSV star, who gave Ghana headaches all night with his ability to get forward and create havoc.
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Johnny Cardoso (7/10):
Had a good game as one of the two deeper midfielders. Has clearly grown as a player as he added a lot of stability and calm to the U.S. midfield.
Yunus Musah (6/10):
Solid but not spectacular. Will definitely go down as a memorable game, though, for a player with Ghanaian heritage.
Gio Reyna (9/10):
An absolutely incredible performance, one that shows just how good this team can be with him in this spot. The first goal fell to him and the second came via that indirect free kick, but Reyna absolutely ran the show, even outside of those moments, completing 97 percent of his passes.
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Christian Pulisic (8/10):
Got his goal on the penalty kick, and it was a deserved one given all the work he did on the attacking end. His touch was fantastic and he was dangerous throughout his 45 minutes.
Folarin Balogun (8/10):
An absolutely fantastic finish from the Monaco man, who did well to turn and fire on his goal. Could have scored another, too, as he fired four of his five shots on target. A much more involved performance and the USMNT will hop it's a sign of things to come.
Tim Weah (8/10):
Completely unstoppable. Weah was as dangerous as anyone on the field, even if he didn't get on the scoresheet himself. Drew the penalty for Pulisic's goal, assisted Balogun's and played a part in Reyna's first. A fantastic performance.
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Ricardo Pepi (6/10):
Didn't get much service and, to be fair, the energy in the game was gone after halftime, which is when he came in.
Brenden Aaronson (6/10):
As always, plenty of energy, but was bullied off the ball a bit too easily.
Weston McKennie (7/10):
Nearly scored a stunning goal, but just missed the far post. Overall, a good run out for the Juventus man, who should be feeling good heading back to his club.
Lennard Maloney (6/10):
A fantastic moment for the Heidenheim midfielder, who earned his first cap. Took a slight knock at one point, but shook it off to help the U.S. seal the 4-0 win.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (6/10):
A good step as the Celtic man continues to recover fitness and form after starting the season with an injury.
Luca de la Torre (N/A):
Came on late for Musah and didn't have too much to do.
Gregg Berhalter (9/10):
Got the tactics spot on and was able to get his stars out of there for a much-needed rest ahead of their club returns. Just about a perfect night for the USMNT boss.