Chester, Nov 16 (NationPress) The U.S. Men’s National Team kicked off a two-match series against South American opponents qualified for the World Cup during the November international window with a strong performance, achieving a 2-1 victory against a spirited Paraguay team at Subaru Park. The hosts took an early advantage thanks to a fourth-minute goal from midfielder Gio Reyna and secured the win with a second-half strike from forward Folarin Balogun.

This win extends the USMNT's unbeaten streak against World Cup-qualified teams to four matches. Paraguay secured its place in the FIFA 2026 World Cup back in September, marking their return to the tournament after a 16-year hiatus.

The U.S. began the match with intensity, and fans at Subaru Park were treated to two goals within the first 10 minutes.

The opening goal came from a recycled corner kick, with Giovanni Reyna giving the U.S. the lead with a precise glancing header following a pass from Max Arfsten. Paraguayan forward Alex Arce quickly equalized with a superb first-time finish from a cross by Atlanta United's standout, Miguel Almirón.

The U.S. had a golden opportunity in the 19th minute. Fullback Sergino Dest, now making his second start under Pochettino, faced off against his defender on the right flank. His clever cutback delivered a low pass to Roldan, who was unmarked inside the 18-yard box. Roldan's powerful first-time shot was thwarted by Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

The two World Cup contenders went into halftime tied at 1-1, with the U.S. holding a slight possession advantage at 55 percent.

In the 64th minute, the U.S. ramped up their attack, including an enticing chip across the six-yard box from midfielder Tanner Tessmann.

Shortly after, Balogun made a clever backheel pass to the advancing Dest, but Paraguay was quick to clear both attempts. Dest then followed up with a precise left-footed shot, which Gill expertly tipped over the bar, resulting in a U.S. corner kick.

Finally, the relentless pursuit by the U.S. paid dividends in the 71st minute as they regained the lead. The play began with high pressure from Roldan and midfielder Diego Luna, who had just entered the match.

Taking advantage of the situation, Balogun connected with Reyna on the left flank, and a deflection off Reyna’s low cross went directly to Balogun, who scored his third goal in as many consecutive starts.

Earlier, both teams had missed clear chances. Almiron fired a long-range shot that forced Freese into a crucial save, tipping it over the crossbar for a corner kick for Paraguay.

On the opposite end, a deflected cross from Luna found striker Ricardo Pepi, who had come on as a substitute in the 75th minute. Pepi took a few touches to compose himself but Paraguay's defense quickly regrouped to block his close-range effort.

In just three days, the U.S. will face 16th-ranked Uruguay in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium.