Diego Luna Leads U.S. to CONCACAF Gold Cup Final

The United States clinched their place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a 2-1 triumph over Guatemala, propelled by Diego Luna's first-half double at Energizer Park in St. Louis.

Luna punctuated the game early, slotting home a rebound in the fourth minute and doubling the score in the 15th with impressive footwork and a precise strike. Although Guatemala, in their first semifinal since 1996, found the net late through Olger Escobar, it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit.

The U.S. aims for its eighth Gold Cup title and first since 2021, facing either Mexico or Honduras in Sunday's final. Following a promising start, Guatemala warmed up and pressured U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, who delivered crucial saves to preserve the lead. The match concluded dramatically as Freese thwarted a last-minute equalizer attempt from Guatemala's Jose Morales.

(With inputs from agencies.)