In a match where Mauricio Pochettino couldn’t afford another loss, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) thrashed Trinidad & Tobago 5-0 in their 2025 Gold Cup debut. Diego Luna emerged as one of the most influential players, highlighted by his two assists in front of his home crowd.
What Diego Luna said after the USMNT’s victory
“I think it’s awesome to come with the National Team and have a great showing like this. A dominant performance to represent and get the win, but of course being in my hometown, it’s awesome to have family and everyone who has supported me be there to see it happen live,” he said in a post-match interview.
Regarding the strong connection with his teammates, Luna noted that as time goes on, their understanding will improve and results will follow.
“I think the chemistry is building and I hope each game, each training we have is getting better and better, to recognize the players and their strengths. I think we have a good combination and a good idea of give-and-go, and what the other guy expects when he’s on the ball,” he added.
On the work Mauricio Pochettino is doing with the USMNT, Luna stated it will take time and be a long process to truly see what they’re capable of. However, it’s worth noting that we’re just about a year away from the ultimate test, the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It’s building blocks. I think it’s a journey, and that’s what we have to realize-it’s not just gonna change overnight, it’s not gonna change over a couple of months. It’s gonna take time, and this is a great performance to start off the year right and build off this.”
Diego Luna, from Real Salt Lake, recorded two assists in three minutes, setting up goals for Malik Tillman and Agyemang. This marks his fourth assist of 2025, leading the team in this category, and he became the 18th USMNT player with multiple assists in a Gold Cup match.
Luna also became the fourth player aged 21 or younger to provide two assists in a Gold Cup game, following Christian Pulisic (6/22/19 vs. Trinidad and Tobago), Gianluca Busio (6/28/23 vs. St. Kitts and Nevis), and Landon Donovan (7/26/03 vs. Costa Rica).
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