Luna Scores 2 Goals: USA Makes It To The Finals

Diego Luna’s Double Sends USA to Gold Cup Final

In a dazzling semifinal performance under the lights of Energizer Park in St. Louis, Diego Luna etched his name into U.S. soccer lore, scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes to lift the United States past Guatemala 2–1 and into the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

Luna Rises Early

The Real Salt Lake midfielder wasted no time making his mark. In just the 4th minute, Luna pounced on a rebound from a Luca de la Torre shot, calmly slotting it home with his left foot. Eleven minutes later, he doubled the lead with a moment of individual brilliance—receiving a cross-field pass from Malik Tillman, executing a stepover to beat his defender, and rifling a right-footed strike into the bottom corner.

It was Luna’s third goal in two games and a continuation of his breakout tournament, where he’s become a fan favorite and a serious contender for a 2026 World Cup roster spot.

Holding Off the Charge

Despite the early cushion, the U.S. faced a fierce second-half push from Guatemala. Olger Escobar pulled one back in the 80th minute, and the final moments were tense as goalkeeper Matt Freese made a crucial stoppage-time save to preserve the win.

Final Bound

With the victory, the U.S. advances to its 13th Gold Cup final, where it will face the winner of Mexico vs. Honduras on Sunday in Houston. Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s youthful squad—missing many of its European-based stars—has defied expectations, showing grit, chemistry, and a rising star in Luna.

As Landon Donovan put it during the broadcast: “This man has become an absolute star.”