Gio Reyna had one of the more unique goal celebrations after scoring the final tally for the United States in Friday’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener.
After covering his ears in what he said was an inside joke with friends, the midfielder stuffed the ball under his shirt and put his thumb in his mouth, an indication he is expecting an addition to his family.
Reyna told reporters after the game that his wife, Chloe, is pregnant with their first child.
“I’ve known for a couple months now, so I was waiting for the perfect time,” he said of sharing the news. “This sort of felt like it.”
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to include Reyna on the roster has been scrutinized, given the 23-year-old had another underwhelming season at the club level with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.
Reyna himself didn’t seem to be lacking in self-belief in coming off the bench in Friday’s match.
“I’m always confident, so that was never really a problem for me,” he said. “For me it’s simple. Whatever I can do to help this team, I’m going to do.”
The U.S. will continue Group D play against Australia next Friday in Seattle.
–Field Level Media
