The United States, fueled by goals from Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun, defeated Paraguay 2-1 on Saturday in a match between World Cup teams marred by a stoppage-time brawl.
Balogun scored the game winner in the 71st minute in a match that had been level since the 10th.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men had successfully repelled a determined late attack from Paraguay when things suddenly turned ugly in stoppage time.
Gustavo Gomez of Paraguay had picked up the ball for a throw-in when American Alex Freeman apparently disagreed and tried to grab the ball. A shoving match ensued with players from both sides rushing in.
Unused Paraguay substitute Omar Alderete was shown a red card, and American midfielder Cristian Roldan and Paraguay’s Junior Alonso were each booked as order was restored and the final minutes played.
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The United States, unbeaten in their last three matches, had taken the lead in the fourth minute when Reyna, making his first international appearance since March, headed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Paraguay struggled to clear the first corner of the match. Shots from Sergino Dest and Roldan were both blocked, but the Americans were still threatening and when Max Arfsten drove the ball back into the area, Reyna was there to head it home.
Paraguay responded just six minutes later when Alex Arce headed in from close range after Miguel Almiron broke free down the left and fired over a pinpoint cross.
But Balogun put the United States ahead again in the 71st, firing in Reyna’s pass from the center of the box.
The match at Subaru Park, home of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, was part of both teams’ preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
The United States were assured of a place in next year’s global showpiece as co-hosts with Canada and Mexico, while Paraguay cruised through South American qualifying to record a ninth World Cup appearance and first since 2010.
Both teams play again on Tuesday when the United States takes on Uruguay in Tampa, Florida, and Paraguay takes on Mexico in San Antonio, Texas.
Published on November 16, 2025
