Texas’s Arlington Midfielder Gio Reyna of the United States men’s national team stated that the disagreement that arose between him and manager Gregg Berhalter following the 2022 World Cup is “not even an issue at all anymore.”
Following the USMNT’s 3-1 victory over Jamaica in extra time during their Concacaf Nations League semifinal on Thursday night, Reyna talked with media. He contributed to both of Haji Wright’s extra-time goals.
Of course, what happened happened, but I believe that both of us have moved on from it and are now so focused on the group that it’s no longer even a problem. Reyna stated, “We’re just so far past it,” during his first post-match media appearance since the 2022 World Cup.
During a leadership meeting following the competition in Qatar, Berhalter disclosed that he was on the verge of sending a player home due to their unsatisfactory behavior in the training area. As soon as it became clear that the player was Reyna, her parents informed U.S. Soccer about a long-past domestic abuse incident involving Berhalter and his spouse.
Although Berhalter’s contract was set to expire in December 2022, U.S. Soccer rehired him six months later, and in September 2023, he summoned Reyna in during an international window.
This club season, Reyna has struggled to get playing time, first with Borussia Dortmund and then, more recently, on loan with Nottingham Forest. In total, he has made 18 appearances and only 399 minutes.
Reyna didn’t seem to be rusty against Jamaica on Thursday, though. Gregory Leigh of Jamaica had given the United States the lead in the opening minute of play. Reyna came on at halftime and gave the American offense a boost.
According to Reyna, he was thinking “just affect the game.” It was quite easy. We didn’t play to our best today, and I only attempted to invigorate the group a little.”
Reyna carried it out. He set up Wright for two goals in extra time after the United States equalized on an own goal late into stoppage.
“I think [Jamaica] scoring in the first minute made it pretty tough,” he stated.
“After that, I believe their team’s strategy was quite obvious: sit deep, simply close the middle, and make it difficult for us [with] fouls. You’re familiar with the scenario. There are games that are just really difficult, with players possessing exceptional skill and agility on the field, making it difficult to navigate. Leaving the middle proved to be difficult. Yes, we did persevere. Extremely pleased with the group. And the most crucial thing is to move on to Sunday.”
Reyna was questioned if he was prepared to start Sunday’s championship game after playing for seventy-five minutes, including stoppage time.
“I’ll be ready to do whatever it takes for the team on Sunday,” he stated. “Actually, I feel great…I’m still somewhat worn out. I believe I still played 75 minutes, but the team as a whole and I will be resting over the next few days and getting ready for Sunday—doing everything it takes to hopefully take home the trophy.”
