ST. LOUIS — Diego Luna scored twice within the first quarter-hour, and the USA held on to beat Guatemala 2-1 on Wednesday night time to achieve its first CONCACAF Gold Cup closing since 2021.
Luna put the U.S. forward with a left-footed shot within the fourth minute, then scored along with his proper within the fifteenth for his third purpose in two video games.
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Olger Escobar, an 18-year who was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, lower inside and slid a shot from inside the world between Matt Freese and the far publish within the eightieth for his second purpose of the event.
Freese parried José Morales’ shot towards the far publish within the second minute of stoppage time.
The U.S. performs defending champion Mexico — a 1-0 winner over Honduras — for the title Sunday at Houston, the Individuals’ final aggressive match earlier than their World Cup opener subsequent June.
El Tri has gained 9 Gold Cups, the U.S. seven and Canada one.
United States of America midfielder Diego Luna (10) celebrates after scoring a purpose in opposition to Guatemala throughout their semifinal win within the 2025 Gold Cup at Energizer Park. Scott Rovak-Imagn Photographs
The Sixteenth-ranked Individuals superior to the Gold Cup closing for the thirteenth time. All 5 losses in finals have been to Mexico.
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No. 106 Guatemala, which has by no means reached the ultimate, outshot the U.S. 13-1 within the final half-hour of the primary half and 20-12 within the recreation earlier than a pro-Guatemala sellout crowd of twenty-two,423 at Energizer Park.
Luna bought his first purpose after Alex Freeman crossed for Malik Tillman.
USA’s Diego Luna heads the ball throughout their Gold Cup semifinal victory. IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Join
He touched the ball to Luca de la Torre, whose shot was spilled by goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro.
Luna reacted shortly and switched the ball from his proper foot to his left, then shot over Navarro’s outstretched proper hand.
Eleven minutes later, Luna acquired cross-field go from Tillman about 40 yards out, dribbled in, bought by defender José Carlos Pinto with a stepover and put the ball contained in the close to publish from the sting of the penalty space.
Guatemala ahead Olger Escobar (20) celebrates with a teammate after scoring a purpose throughout their Gold Cup semifinal loss to the USA. Scott Rovak-Imagn Photographs
Guatemala’s starters included a pair of former U.S. gamers: ahead Rubio Rubin , 29, made seven appearances for the Individuals from 2014-18 earlier than switching in 2022 and defender Aaron Herrera, 28, made one in 2021 after which modified in 2023.
Rubin put the ball previous Freese within the twenty ninth minute however the purpose was disallowed for offside. Freese made a kick save on Rubin within the thirty fourth.