Two early goals from rising star Diego Luna were enough for the United States to secure a 2-1 victory over Guatemala in their CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final on Wednesday, sending the host nation through to the Gold Cup final.
The Real Salt Lake midfielder scored twice in the opening 15 minutes to put the Americans in control. Guatemala pulled a goal back late in the second half through Olger Escobar, but the U.S. held on, thanks in part to a crucial stoppage-time save from goalkeeper Matt Freese.
The U.S. will now play the winner of the second semi-final between Mexico and Honduras in the championship match on Sunday in Houston.
Luna, who has been a standout player for the U.S. in this tournament, continued his impressive form. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute, reacting quickest to pounce on a rebound after a long-range shot from Luca de la Torre was fumbled by Guatemala’s goalkeeper, Kenderson Navarro.
Just eleven minutes later, the 21-year-old silenced the largely pro-Guatemala crowd again, scoring with a powerful strike from 22 yards out after receiving a pass from Malik Tillman.
Despite the early deficit, Guatemala grew into the game and dominated the latter stages of the first half. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Olger Escobar skillfully dribbled to the edge of the penalty area and slipped a shot through several U.S. defenders to make it 2-1.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese proved to be the hero for the Americans in the dying moments, making a superb diving save to deny Joe Morales an equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time.
The victory marks a significant step for a U.S. side missing most of its regular European-based players, with Luna staking a strong claim for a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The semi-final appearance was Guatemala’s first in the Gold Cup since 1996.
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