Explained: Why USMNT star Reyna didn’t play against Wales in World Cup opener

Reyna benched for Timothy WeahWeah scored first-half goalReyna never introduced as substitute

WHAT HAPPENED? Reyna, considered one of the USMNT’s brightest young talents, was denied a World Cup debut on Monday as Weah started ahead of him while Brenden Aaronson and Jordan Morris were prioritized off the bench.

WHY DIDN’T REYNA PLAY AGAINST WALES? Berhalter said Reyna didn’t start in part because of pre-match muscle tightness but added the choice not to use the Borussia Dortmund player in the second half was tactical. “In the phase of the game we were at we went with Jordan [Morris] who we felt could give us something with speed and power,” he explained.

Reyna told reporters after the game that he was fit enough to participate, however, suggesting his health had nothing to do with his omission. “I’m 100 percent and I’m good to go,” Reyna said.

STORY IN A PHOTO:

THE REACTION:

Berhalter’s decision to exclude Reyna did not go over well.

Could Reyna have provided a late-match spark?

Morris certainly didn’t make magic happen!

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REYNA: Berhalter said he expects the winger to be available for selection on Friday against England.

Related Post
Share
Published by
Superadmin2015

Recent Posts

Liverpool Set High Price for Luis Diaz as Bayern’s Bid Falls Short

Liverpool have made it clear that they will not part ways with Luis Diaz unless… Read More

July 18, 2025

Crystal Palace’s Europa League Future in Limbo Amid UEFA Ownership Concerns

Crystal Palace’s European adventure has hit an unexpected snag. What looked like a historic qualification… Read More

July 18, 2025

Premier League Leaves Chelsea Stuck With Brutal Schedule After Club World Cup

Chelsea’s request for a delayed Premier League opener has been firmly rejected, leaving new manager… Read More

July 18, 2025

Viktor Gyokeres Takes a Stand as Sporting Lisbon Block Arsenal Transfer

Viktor Gyokeres has decided enough is enough. The Swedish striker has reportedly refused to join… Read More

July 18, 2025

AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 Preview

Winning the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway—”The Monster Mile”—demands a gritty combination… Read More

July 18, 2025

India A Men’s Hockey Team Falls to Belgium in Tour Opener Despite Late Fightback

The India A men’s hockey team began its European tour with a 1-3 defeat against… Read More

July 18, 2025