Gio Reyna marked his return to the USA starting lineup with a remarkable two-goal performance as the Americans dominated Ghana in a one-sided friendly on Tuesday.
Reyna reentered the USA squad this month for the first time since a highly publicized dispute with coach Gregg Berhalter, stemming from last year's World Cup in Qatar. The Borussia Dortmund forward seamlessly reintegrated into the American team's lineup in Nashville on Tuesday, as Berhalter's squad overwhelmed a clearly overmatched Black Stars side.
Reyna initiated the scoring at Geodis Park just 10 minutes into the match, confidently slotting home a powerful finish following excellent work by Folarin Balogun down the right flank.
Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, extended the lead to 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a clumsy challenge by Ghana defender Gideon Mensah, who fouled Tim Weah in the box. Pulisic made no mistake with his penalty, sending it straight down the middle as Ghana goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen dived in the opposite direction.
Balogun then made it 3-0 just three minutes later, thanks to more fine teamwork involving Weah. The 23-year-old Juventus forward dispossessed Jordan Ayew and delivered a cross to Balogun, who skillfully eluded his marker and fired home a precise finish.
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The hosts added a fourth goal in the 39th minute through an indirect free-kick within the Ghana penalty area. Pulisic cleverly set up Reyna for the high-arching shot that made it 4-0.
Berhalter made several substitutions for the USA at half-time, replacing Reyna, Balogun, and Pulisic. Understandably, the significant changes to the key players affected the team's fluency in the second half, and they were unable to increase their lead further.
