Reyna Makes Winning Start in 3-0 U.S. Victory

The talents of U.S. national team midfielder Claudio Reyna finally were unveiled Wednesday, and the setting could not have been more appropriate.

Richardson Field at Davidson College is where Reyna helped the University of Virginia win two of its three NCAA soccer championships. On Wednesday night, it became the setting for Reyna’s first start for the United States.

The clamor for the 20-year-old to start had nearly deafened Coach Bora Milutinovic, who had remained Sphinx-like when it came to commenting on last season’s college player of the year. Since Reyna joined the team amid much fanfare in January, his playing minutes have been parceled out in precious portions.

Despite Reyna’s obvious talent in midfield, it became clear that Milutinovic’s reserve was less about ability than humility--let Reyna display the appropriate gratitude for being with the team. Break the college kid of his expectations to play every minute, and he’ll begin to see the minutes in games.

When at last the shroud was lifted off the team’s youngest player, it revealed a glittering prize. Such is Reyna’s sense of time and place--to say nothing of drama--that he scored his first international goal in his first start. He sparked the U.S. team to a 3-0 victory over a suspiciously well-tanned team from Moldova.

Since their 1-1 tie against the U.S. team last week, the Moldovans, playing in their first international matches, apparently discovered their hotel’s minibars and swimming pool. Their effort Wednesday night, in front of 4,790, was no match for their tenacity of last Saturday.

But neither did the Americans field the same team. Starting were a handful of seldom-used players who comported themselves on the field as if they were fighting for their professional lives. As, indeed, they are. Each player is aware of the impending roster cuts, expected to come as early as next month. Some, like Reyna and the formerly injured Frank Klopas, have had little opportunity other than during practice to impress Milutinovic.

Both made the most of their starts. Klopas scored the game’s first goal, a long-range blast in the third minute. Reyna’s goal came on a header in the 59th minute. And, enhancing the night’s firsts, defender Mike Lapper scored his first international goal, off a rebound of a Reyna shot, in the 40th minute.

Klopas’ goal was his first since Sept. 4, 1991 and he called it “a gift from heaven.” Some might argue that Reyna’s is the true gift. After months of buildup and anticipation, Reyna did not fail to impress. His knack for holding the ball in the midfield and his ability to move quickly into space changes the landscape for the U.S. team.

Although the U.S. staff has been guarded about lavishing praise on Reyna, lest he take his position for granted, no one could poor mouth his performance Wednesday night.

“Watch his first move,” said assistant coach Steve Sampson. “He explodes into space at the same time as he collects the ball. Other players get the ball, pause, then move. That’s the difference with great midfielders. We are a totally different team with Claudio in.”

Reyna has learned to play the game, on and off the field, and after the match he talked about how he was happy just to get the start and hoped he wouldn’t do anything to ruin his chances. But he knows, the players know and the coaches know. Now, everyone knows. The wraps have come off.