Led by newcomer Balogun, Reyna U.S. wins title

LAS VEGAS — Late in the first half of the Concacaf Nations League final Sunday, fans of the U.S. men’s national soccer team chanted his name.

“Gio Reyna!” echoed throughout the one-third-full roofed stadium.

They had witnessed him set up the first goal with an arcing corner kick and furnish the second with an expertly threaded pass. What prompted the rhythmic salute, however, was a flash of pure dribbling brilliance through midfield that obliterated two Canadian defenders and launched another foray during the 2-0 victory.

With Reyna conducting the attack and Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun scoring their first international goals, the young Americans retained the tournament title and completed a near-perfect four days against a historic power (Mexico) and a new threat (Canada). The victory also denied Canada’s bid for its first trophy since the 2000 Gold Cup.

The only downside: The injury-prone Reyna left the game at halftime with a calf issue.

Reyna, 20, was at the center of attention for darker reasons at the World Cup in Qatar (when his lack of effort in training resulted in limited playing time) and in the aftermath (when a rift between his parents and then-coach Gregg Berhalter spilled into public view).

“When we speak about going forward, he’s a committed player to this team, just like all of the other guys on this team,” interim coach B.J. Callaghan said. “The expectations remain the same for everybody in the group, him included.”

Berhalter will return to coach the team this summer. On Sunday, Reyna showed his importance to the program as the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico nears. In his news conference Friday, formally reintroducing him as coach effective late next month, Berhalter said he must begin repairing his relationship with the clever attacker.

“He’s a great player, and he’s going to help us moving forward no matter who the coach is. That’s clear,” captain Christian Pulisic said. “He’s done a great job coming in and we’re going to continue to build off that.”

Reyna has yet to speak to reporters about the World Cup incidents and the fallout with his parents, and on Sunday, he declined interview requests. His first camp in Berhalter’s second term is likely to come in September.

While Reyna and most of the other top European-based players will begin their summer break this week, Callaghan and five holdovers will join an MLS-heavy roster for the Concacaf Gold Cup, the traditional regional championship decided over three weeks and featuring 16 teams.

They open group play Saturday against Jamaica in Chicago, then face

St. Kitts and Nevis or French Guiana on June 28 in St. Louis and Trinidad and Tobago on July 2 in Charlotte.

Callaghan on Sunday was forced to make three changes to the lineup that routed Mexico, 3-0, on Thursday: right back Joe Scally for Sergiño Dest (red card), center back Walker Zimmerman for Miles Robinson (hamstring tightness) and midfielder Brenden Aaronson for Weston McKennie (red card).

Dest’s absence presented problems because of the opponent raiding that side of the field: Alphonso Davies, Canada’s world-class winger. It was a tall order for Scally, 20, who made just his sixth appearance and third start. Aaronson also offered assistance. Davies grew more influential in the second half, but by then, his team was in a two-goal hole.

In the 12th minute, Balogun won a corner kick. Reyna served it to the edge of the six-yard box. While two sets of combatants battled for position, Richards rose above the fray and drove a downward header past goalkeeper Milan Borjan for his first goal in 10 international matches.

“The U.S. was unbelievable on set pieces, every set piece,” Canadian Coach John Herdman said. “We were there by fingernails. The organization, the timing, the variety was so difficult to deal with.”

The match remained on U.S. terms, and in the 34th minute, the margin grew. Reyna was in possession. As Balogun made his run past defender Scott Kennedy, he pointed to where he wanted the ball. Reyna delivered. In stride, Balogun slipped the ball past Borjan.

Balogun, who was born in New York and raised in England, made his debut Thursday after choosing the U.S. team over the English program.

“These things take time, to build relationships,” said Balogun, 21. “It’s just one action. I still feel like me and Gio have a lot to learn about each other. I’m sure in the future we’re definitely going to come good.”