The U.S. Men's National Team secured a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in a friendly match at Subaru Park on Saturday night, marking their first game in Chester since May 2018. Here are four key takeaways from the match:

1. Reyna's Triumphant Return

Gio Reyna made his first start under coach Mauricio Pochettino and wasted no time making an impact. After a long absence, Reyna scored within four minutes, heading in a cross from Max Arfsten. Reyna's performance wasn't limited to just the goal; he combined effectively with Sergino Dest on the right wing and played a crucial role in Balogun's game-winning goal. His successful return is a significant boost for the USMNT as they look towards the 2026 World Cup.

2. Balogun's Decisive Goal

Folarin Balogun scored the winning goal in the 71st minute, capitalizing on a turnover by Paraguay outside their own box. After receiving a pass from Reyna, Balogun swept the ball into the far corner. Balogun's goal underscores his importance to the team's attack and his ability to finish crucial plays.

3. Scrappy Midfield Battle and Late-Game Tensions

The match was characterized by a physical midfield battle, with numerous fouls disrupting the flow of play. Tensions escalated in the final minutes, leading to a benches-clearing brawl after a disagreement over a throw-in between Alex Freeman and Gustavo Gómez. Paraguay's Omar Alderete, who was not even in the game, received a red card for his involvement in the scuffle. The incident highlighted the competitive nature of the friendly, despite its non-competitive status.

4. Freese's Mixed Performance in Goal

Matt Freese, making his first start in goal, had a mixed performance. While he couldn't prevent Alex Arce's equalizer, he made two saves in the second half. Freese's performance underscores the ongoing evaluation of the goalkeeping position as the team prepares for future competitions. Questions arose if Freese could have prevented the first goal.