Gio Reyna admits USMNT have room to improve despite comfortable Trinidad and Tobago win

Gio Reyna scored the USMNT’s third goal in their CONCACAF Nations League victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday and admitted that although his team had managed a “decent result”, they were not at their best for the majority of the game.

United States’ late flurry against Soca Warriors

For long spells, it appeared as if the quarter-final tie would be decided in Monday’s second leg at Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. Soca Warriors goalkeeper Denzil Smith put in an excellent display and kept the hosts at bay for 80 minutes after teammate Noah Powder had been sent off in the first half. However, Ricardo Pepi finally made the breakthrough for the Stars and Stripes with 10 minutes left before Antonee Robinson and Reyna added what could prove to be crucial second and third goals in quick succession.

With a 3-0 lead to take into second leg, the United States already look to be all but assured of a place in the semi-finals. However, coach Gregg Berhalter received plenty of criticism for his game plan in the aftermath of the game, which some fans described as “visual torture”. Reyna acknowledged there was room for improvement in an Instagram post: “Wasn’t our best, but still a decent result. All focus on Monday now!”

CONCACAF Nations League semi-final leads to 2024 Copa América

The four CONCACAF Nations League semi-finalists will also qualify for the 2024 Copa América, to be held in the United States from 20 June to 14 July. The losing quarter-finalists will go into a playoff to decide the remaining two qualifiers for the CONMEBOL tournament.

After winning 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final away to Costa Rica, Panama also look very likely to qualify for the last four. The other two ties get underway on Friday, with Jamaica facing Canada and Honduras up against Mexico.