LOCAL ATHLETES

Diego Luna Posts Two Assists In USMNT Gold Cup Shutout Win

Jun 16, 2025, 9:48 AM

Diego Luna USMNT CONCACAF Gold Cup...

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 15: Diego Luna #10 of United States celebrates with Malik Tillman #17 after scoring in the first half against Trinidad and Tobago during the Gold Cup 2025 at PayPal Park on June 15, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The USMNT regained its footing with a much-needed win over Trinidad and Tobago, led by standout performances from Malik Tillman and Diego Luna.

Tillman scored twice and Luna dealt out two assists in the first half, setting up a 3-0 lead that allowed the U.S. to coast to the finish line.

The win ended a four-game slide for the USMNT, the worst stretch for the program in nearly two decades.

Diego Luna USMNT: Two First-Half Assists Build Momentum

The offensive fireworks started early and often.

The U.S. looked to open scoring three separate times in the first 15 minutes. They finally broke through in the 16th as Jack McGlynn assisted Tillman on the left side of the six-yard box.

In the 25th minute, Luna put a shot on target, but goalkeeper Marvin Phillip was able to get his gloves on it. After a few more threatening chances, Luna set up Tillman on the break for an easy brace-securing goal.

He wasn’t done there, though.

Just minutes later, Luna came barreling down the left side again. After showing off his footwork, Luna called his own number but his low shot was redirected by Patrick Agyemang at the top of the box.

With two assists in three minutes, Luna was the driving force in increasing the USMNT’s lead from one to three.

With a 3-0 lead and little contention from Trinidad and Tobago, the second half sped by.

Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright found the back of the net in the 82nd and 84th minutes to increase the lead to 5-0.

The U.S. finished with 21 shots (11 on goal), 10 corner kicks, a 70/30 possession advantage, and goalkeeper Matthew Freese saved T&T’s two shots on target.

Up next for the USMNT will be Saudi Arabia on Thursday, June 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. (MT).

Diego Luna With The USMNT

Following an impressive U.S. youth career, Luna made his senior debut in January 2024. He has played in four games with two assists since then.

The most recent appearance, in the CONCACAF Nations League, marked an important moment in Luna’s national career. With an assist and a late near-equalizer, the RSL star was a consensus top performer for the USA.

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Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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Diego Luna Posts Two Assists In USMNT Gold Cup Shutout Win