Is Gio Reyna ready for a bigger USMNT role if Pulisic misses Australia?

Gio Reyna's outside-of-the-boot finish against Paraguay felt like a turning point after three-plus years of frustration and fallout. That World Cup goal gave him a clear moment to build on as the U.S. prepare for a crucial group match with Australia in Seattle, a game that could put the team in the ideal position to win the group on home soil or, with a draw or loss, make the path forward more complicated.

Christian Pulisic's availability is uncertain, and the U.S. have several attacking options—Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest among them. Reyna has spoken about wanting to take the next step, stay fit and do things off the field to help make that happen, and he described the Paraguay goal as a potential kickstart.

Reyna's strengths are clear: creativity, a history of producing in big moments and a capacity for moments of individual brilliance.

United States, Seattle

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