Donovan Calls Out Olympic Coach After Diego Luna Brace
Diego Luna's performances for the USMNT at the Gold Cup this summer have fans in awe. One of the fans who enjoys watching Luna play for the national team is Landon Donovan.
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After the USA advanced to the 2025 Gold Cup Final, Donovan praised Luna for his brace against Guatemala and his performances throughout the competition this summer. Many USMNT fans believe Luna will be part of the roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Donovan was impressed with Luna's impact on the team, but he also had some harsh words for Marko Mitrovic, the head coach of the U.S. Olympic Men's Soccer Team.
Mitrovic had the opportunity to bring Luna to the Summer Olympics last year in Paris, but decided not to call him up. Donovan took the opportunity to call out Mitrovic after Luna's brace against Guatemala in the Gold Cup semifinals.
Landon Donovan Defends Diego Luna
After Luna's brace for the USMNT, Donovan had a brief message for Mitrovic for not calling up the Real Salt Lake star last summer at the Summer Olympics.
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Landon Donovan: "What the hell were you [Marko Mitrovic] thinking?"
Donovan goes on to praise Luna and recalls watching the player in the USL Championship, the second tier of U.S. Soccer, a few years back. The former USMNT captain was the head coach of the USL team San Diego Loyal SC.
Diego Luna played for El Paso Locomotive FC three years ago. After a year in the USL Championship, Luna joined Real Salt Lake in 2022.
USMNT 2-1 Guatemala
The USMNT had an excellent start to the semifinal as they took the lead in the 4th minute. Diego Luna, one of the brightest young stars of the USMNT, scored the opener as his instinct to steal the ball in the box paid off when a quick finish past Kenderson Navarro.
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Guatemala created chances to score but were inefficient in finishing their opportunities. Luna punished Guatemala again in the 15th minute after a great shot fired just outside the box.
The USMNT were 2-0 up before the 20th minute mark, but Guatemala kept threatening the U.S. goal. Matt Freese made three saves in the first half as Guatemala pushed for a goal.
Second Half
Guatemala kept on trying to score against the USMNT, but their finishing left a lot to be desired. La Azul y Blanco side was taking many shots, but the majority of them were off target.
In the 80th minute, Guatemala got a goal back as Olger Escobar placed the ball in the bottom corner past Freese. The 18-year-old woke up the Energizer Park as Guatemala fans erupted with joy.
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Freese made a pivotal save at the end of the game as Jose Morales took a great shot on target. Guatemala couldn't find the equalizer, and the USMNT reached the Gold Cup final for the first time since 2021.
Related: All About Diego Luna's Personal Life-Parents, Girlfriend, Education & Net Worth
Related: The Hidden Meaning Behind Every Diego Luna Tattoo
Related: Diving Deep Into Matt Freese's Personal Life- Parents, Education, Girlfriend & Net Worth
Related: Everything About Malik Tillman's Personal Life- Parents, Education, Girlfriend & More
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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