Inglewood, Cali– The USMNT started their World Cup with a statement win over a Paraguay side that is no pushover. The United States won 4-1 in their first match, with Florian Balogun scoring a brace, and Gio Reyna adding a fourth after an own goal from Paraguay. A perfect evening was slightly spoiled by a Paraguay goal, but the USMNT got all three points and had the best result of any team in the tournament so far. Here are the photos from a near-perfect win in California.
A double team could not stop Cristian Pulisic, as the winger split the defenders with a nutmeg and delivered a key pass to the first goal of the night. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
Damián Bobadilla was the unfortunate one to put the shot by Weston McKennie into his own net. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
Don’t tell them yet, but this Florian Balogun goal would be ruled offside, and this celebration was cut short. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
This one counted, as Florian Balogun gets his first of the night, placing this one in the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
Florian Balogun scored to make it 3-0 right before halftime, and celebrated accordingly. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
After a difficult first half, Paraguay had a team huddle as soon as the halftime whistle blew. Dire times. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
Former Rapid Auston Trusty was an unused sub against Paraguay. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
Matt Freese looks disapointed to lose his clean sheet after Paraguay got one back late into the second half. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
Gio Reyna put the exclamation point on the game with a rtrivela that found its way in and made it 4-1 late. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
Julio Enciso watches Gio Reyna’s shot go past his goalkeeper. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
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Matt Pollard 