ST. LOUIS — During a thrilling match at Energizer Park, the U.S. men’s national soccer team secured a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final by overcoming a supportive crowd for the opposition. Mauricio Pochettino, reflecting on the atmosphere, likened it to an away game in Guatemala, highlighting the unexpected intensity that benefited his team.
The American team, buoyed by two early goals from Diego Luna, managed to hold off a determined Guatemalan side to finish with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night. This win sets the stage for an exciting final against Mexico on Sunday in Houston — the last competitive engagement for the U.S. before the international spotlight turns to the World Cup next year.
The boisterous sellout crowd of 22,423 fans seemed to provide a boost for Los Chapines, who managed to outshoot their American counterparts 20-12. Yet, despite Olger Escobar’s 80th-minute goal, the U.S. team held firm. “That is football,” stated Pochettino. The energy from the fans has a profound impact, he noted, something the team hopes to harness during the upcoming World Cup.
American players have grown accustomed to playing home matches where support leans heavily towards visiting sides. “It’s expected in a country brimming with immigrants,” noted U.S. defender Chris Richards. For seasoned players, this match mirrored past World Cup qualifiers, teaching valuable lessons to newer team members.
Pochettino, an Argentinian ace who played for his national team 20 times, is well-versed in a culture where soccer takes precedence. His observations on the passion of Guatemalan players displayed after the match served as a reminder of the emotional stakes at play. Soccer is not just a game; it’s an embodiment of pride and passion.
Highlighting that determination was Diego Luna, who continued to play on despite a broken nose during a January friendly against Costa Rica. Luna’s dedication during those sessions, dominated by Major League Soccer players, was previously dismissed by some fans as mere “Camp Cupcake.” However, his recent performances at the Gold Cup — three goals in two games — have affirmed Pochettino’s faith in him.
In addition to Luna, striker Patrick Agyemang has emerged from the January sessions, earning a starting position amid the absence of several regulars. Pochettino reiterated the importance of the sessions in nurturing and identifying talent for the national team and the country as a whole.
Luna opened the match with goals in the fourth and 15th minutes using both feet, delighting in the vibrant atmosphere provided by the Guatemalan fans, a testament to their pride and energy.
Tim Ream, a hometown hero and captain of the U.S. team, emphasized the importance of winning to cultivate and expand the fanbase. “Success on the pitch fosters stronger connections with fans, creating a powerful cultural footprint,” he explained. Though the journey may not always be flawless, the unity and tenacity of the team win hearts and build deeper connections with fans, steadfast and casual alike.