The Moon man, Diego Luna, has earned his way onto the USMNT roster during the spring when he showed up when the rest of the team struggled to compete.
Luna’s tough, rough neck style has earned the love of Real Salt Lake supporters who haven’t had much to root for since his arrival with the squad.
Luna’s performance may have earned him more than just a roster spot for the World Cup next summer, but a key rule in the plans of this coaching staff.
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Key moments against Costa Rica
Diego Luna delivered early in the game after the USMNT dug themselves in a self-inflicted hole. A penalty in the box and a missed penalty kick had the USMNT down by a goal in the first half.
Luna delivered a perfectly struck ball into the back of the net to tie up the game. Luna delivered a solid performance until he was subbed out in the second half to put in fresher legs.
Luna’s goal was his first in the Red, White, and Blue after earning his spot on the first team in this Gold Cup run that has shown off his skillset.
Luna’s aggressive style as an attacking midfielder is something that complements the rest of the group. Playing on the outside with Tillman as Adams sits back in the midfield and anchors the midfield.
More production was asked for from Luna, and fans and critics have been waiting for Luna to impact the score and control the game. We have seen glimpses in MLS play, but haven’t seen him do this on the national stage yet.
This quarterfinal matchup against a tough Costa Rica squad was a convincing proving ground for the midfielder, as his goal will be one to remember if the USMNT can continue their run for the Cup.
A Log Jam at the Midfield
Luna may have proven that he belongs with the first team and on the field in big moments, but there is a concern that it won’t be enough to become a starter. Tillman has been great in the Gold Cup after an impressive year with PSV.
Other players that will compete for minutes are Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, and Gio Reyna, if he can find himself back in the good graces of this coaching staff.
Luna has elevated himself past two of these players, who were not invited to camp with the USMNT. Luna sees himself as the fourth man out in a three-man midfield.
Tillman, McKennie, and Adams appear to be the favorites to start in the World Cup Roster if all situations remain the same. Luna is in a good spot considering his efforts have earned him a position he wouldn’t have seen himself in otherwise.
Playing through a bloody nose and making a big play happen out of nothing is what has earned Luna the position that he is currently in.
If the Moon Man continues to show this effort, there is no reason to think he wouldn’t be playing in big moments for his nation on its biggest stage.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date 28.06.2025