Folarin Balogun scored twice during the United States’ three-goal first half, helping the team secure its largest World Cup victory in a 4-1 win over Paraguay in its first home tournament match in 32 years.
Christian Pulisic recorded an assist during a strong first-half performance, as the Americans built a 3-0 halftime lead before a large Southern California crowd. Gio Reyna added a late goal in second-half stoppage time, marking the first time the United States has scored four goals in a World Cup match.
The team had scored just three goals total across its four matches at the previous World Cup. Playing under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans showed an improved attack in front of 70,492 fans at the Los Angeles venue.
Paraguay scored once in the second half through Maurício but could not recover from the early deficit in its first World Cup appearance in 16 years.
The United States took the lead through an own goal created by Pulisic, followed by Balogun’s strikes in the 31st minute and first-half injury time. The New York-born striker, making his World Cup debut, became the first American with multiple goals in a match since 1930.
Pulisic created the opening two goals with runs on the left flank before being substituted at halftime. Reyna scored his first World Cup goal late in the match. Several celebrities attended the game near Hollywood.
