SAN LUIS (AP) — USA REACHES GOLD CUP FINAL AFTER LUNA'S EARLY BRACE HOLDS OFF GUATEMALA!

Diego Luna erupted with two goals in the first 15 minutes, powering the United States to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guatemala and booking their spot in the Gold Cup final for the first time since 2021.

Luna’s Lightning Strikes

• 4’: Left-footed rocket! Luna opened the scoring with a clinical finish.

• 15’: Double trouble! The midfielder smashed home a right-footed strike for his third goal in two games.

Guatemala’s Late Surge

The underdogs, coached by Mexican tactician Luis Fernando Tena, fought back fiercely:

• 80’: 18-year-old Olger Escobar (born in Lynn, Massachusetts) cut inside and curled a beauty past keeper Matt Freese, reigniting Guatemalan hopes.

• 90+2’: Heart-stopping moment! Freese denied José Morales with a fingertip save onto the post to preserve the lead.

Showdown in Houston

The 13-time finalists will face defending champions Mexico or Honduras on Sunday in a title clash that serves as their last competitive match before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

• History looms: All 5 of the USA’s Gold Cup final losses have come against El Tri (9-time winners).

• Guatemala (ranked 106th) outshot the US 13-1 in the first half but fell short of their first-ever final.

Key Storylines

• Ex-USMNT striker Rubio Rubin had a goal controversially ruled offside and was denied by Freese in a 1v1.

• Defender Aaron Herrera, another US-to-Guatemala convert, faced his former federation.

The Stars and Stripes are one win away from Gold Cup glory!