Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gio Reyna curled in his first senior international goal for the USMNT against Panama on Monday. - © GEPA pictures/ Michael Meindl via www.imago-images.de/imago images/GEPA pictures
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gio Reyna curled in his first senior international goal for the USMNT against Panama on Monday. - © GEPA pictures/ Michael Meindl via www.imago-images.de/imago images/GEPA pictures
bundesliga

Gio Reyna scores first USMNT goal in friendly against Panama as Chris Richards makes debut

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Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gio Reyna scored his first goal for the USMNT on just his second senior international outing, helping the Stars and Stripes come from behind to beat Panama 6-2 in a game in which Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards made his debut.

Reyna only turned 18 on 13 November and was handed his second start by head coach Gregg Berhalter, having made his debut in the goalless draw against Wales earlier in the international break.

The BVB No.32 was named in the first XI alongside RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams and Wolfsburg-owned Ulysses Llanez for the friendly in Vienna, with Wolves defender John Brooks and Bayern centre-back Richards among the substitutes.

Although the USA fell behind as early as the eighth minute, Reyna pulled them level shortly afterwards with a low free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, becoming the third youngest goalscorer in the team's history at just 18 years and three days.

That kick-started a rapid comeback, as Behalter's side scored three in the space of eight minutes to turn the game around.

Reyna was involved in the USA's second goal too, his cleverly weighted pass teeing up Llanez for a shot that was saved, with Nicholas Gioacchini turning in the rebound.

Chris Richards got his first international minutes under his belt for the USMNT on Monday. - GEPA pictures/ Michael Meindl via www.imago-images.de/imago images/GEPA pictures

Reyna was substituted off in the 68th minute, while Richards came off the bench for the final 10, partnering Tim Ream at centre-back.

Panama threatened a fightback in the second half when they reduced the deficit to 3-2, but a flurry of late goals - including a brace from former Hannover striker Sebastian Soto - ensured a comfortable win for Berhalter's men.