Diego Luna scored twice within the first quarter-hour and the US males's nationwide group held on for a 2-1 victory over Guatemala in St Louis on Wednesday to advance to the ultimate of the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Luna tallied within the fourth and fifteenth minutes earlier than Olger Escobar made it 2-1 within the eightieth minute.
American goalkeeper Matt Freese made 4 saves, together with a diving cease on the left submit on Joes Morales within the second minute of second-half stoppage time.
The US will play Mexico for the title on Sunday in Houston after El Tri beat Honduras 1-0 within the late semi-final on Wednesday.
Luna, a 5ft 8in Actual Salt Lake midfielder, scored his first US purpose on Sunday in opposition to Costa Rica and leads the group in purpose contributions in 2025 with seven (three objectives, 4 assists).
Right now a yr in the past, he was miffed that he was not chosen of the US Olympic group for the Paris Video games.
Now, he's a mainstay, not less than for this iteration of a group that doesn't embrace many of the European-based gamers. Nonetheless, Luna seems to be enjoying his manner onto the roster for the 2026 World Cup.
He opened the scoring along with his fast response to rebound of an extended shot by Luca de la Torre. Goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro fumbled the ball straight to Luna, who introduced it down along with his proper foot earlier than delivering a left-footed strike.
Luna silenced the pro-Guatemala even additional along with his laser from 22 yards after taking a cross from Malik Tillman.
The determined Guatemalans dominated the remainder of the half, outshooting the US 12-2 over the ultimate 20 minutes.
Navarro was the story early within the second half because the US regarded for a 3rd purpose. First, he parried a header by Patrick Agyemang within the 62nd minute, then two minutes later Agyemang broke free however couldn't get the ball previous the keeper.
The saves proved big when Escobar dribbled to the highest of the field and slipped a shot by a number of People.
This was the nations' first-ever assembly in a Gold Cup knockout spherical and Guatemala's first look in a Gold Cup semi-final since 1996.
