CHESTER, Pa. — After an eight-month absence from the U.S. men’s national team, midfielder Gio Reyna is back in training, showing substantial growth and determination as he prepares for a friendly match against Paraguay at Subaru Park on Saturday. The 23-year-old, who plays for Borussia Moenchengladbach, is aiming to make his first USMNT appearance since a brief showing against Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League last March.
Despite a challenging stretch without a goal contribution for the national team in over two years, Reyna’s involvement with the squad is met with optimism. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he faced scrutiny regarding his attitude, but support from teammates has bolstered his confidence. USMNT striker Folarin Balogun expressed excitement about Reyna’s return, noting a promising connection that could enhance the team’s creativity on the field.
Balogun acknowledged Reyna’s recent stoppages in playtime, yet praised his positive performances in training, highlighting his maturity and desire to set aside past distractions. Reyna’s recent loan move to Borussia Moenchengladbach is seen as a pivotal opportunity for him to regain momentum. Having previously enjoyed prolific seasons with 13 and 11 goal contributions, Reyna has faced difficulties in the last two seasons, managing only three goals in 50 appearances.
Teammates Tim Ream and Sergino Dest also expressed their encouragement regarding Reyna’s current focus and commitment. Dest noted the chemistry between him and Reyna and hoped for his continued fitness and involvement with the team. Ream observed a noticeable improvement in Reyna’s concentration on the field, suggesting that he is more in tune with the game than ever before.
As the national team prepares for their final fixtures of the year, Reyna’s participation could play a crucial role in reintegrating him into the competitive landscape of international football, offering hope for a bright future ahead. His positive mindset and the support from his teammates signal a promising chapter in his career as he seeks to reclaim his spot and contribute meaningfully to the USMNT.