Diego Luna netted both goals as the United States triumphed over Guatemala 2-1 in St Louis on Wednesday, securing a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
The USA will face the victor of Wednesday’s other semi-final clash between Mexico and Honduras in the final scheduled for Sunday in Houston.
Luna, an emerging talent representing Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer, put the USA ahead in the 4th minute after a Luca de la Torre shot was deflected, allowing the 21-year-old to pounce on the loose ball and score.
The winger, who developed his skills in Texas’ lower division football, then extended the lead in the 15th minute with a superb individual effort.
Luna collected the ball in midfield and advanced towards goal, evading a challenge before unleashing a powerful shot from over 20 yards out.
Guatemala’s Rubio Rubin had a chance thwarted by USA goalkeeper Matt Freese, and his subsequent effort was ruled offside, much to the dismay of the sizable and vocal travelling fans.
Sebastian Berhalter nearly added a third goal just before half-time, his free-kick deflecting off a defender’s wall before requiring a fine save from Kenderson Navarro.
The USA, under Mauricio Pochettino and entering the tournament after a four-match losing streak, faced increasing pressure from a spirited Guatemala after the break.
The pressure peaked in the 80th minute when Arquimides Ordonez drove into the box and 18-year-old Boston native Olger Escobar found the back of the net.
Anxious moments filled the stadium in stoppage time when Jose Morales unleashed a low shot from the edge of the area, but Freese managed to get down and divert the ball wide.
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