Gio Reyna earned his second-consecutive start for Borussia Dortmund and the U.S. men’s national team star took another major step forward in getting back to his best.
Reyna played 70 minutes on Wednesday as Edin Terzic’s squad edged fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim 1-0 in German DFB Pokal action. The 20-year-old Reyna led all players with five. chances created and three fouls drawn, helping the Black and Yellow rebound from Sunday’s 3-3 league draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
John Brooks logged 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in the loss.
Marco Reus’ 43rd minute opening goal proved to be the difference between the two teams at Signal Iduna Park. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens assisted on Reus’ opener, but Reyna did have a hand in the goal on the build-up play.
Reyna did not register a shot in the match, but did complete 95% of his passes and win four of his nine duels. After missing most of the start of the season, Reyna has appeared in seven matches for club and country since October 1.
Terzic rewarded Reyna with his most minutes played for Dortmund since March 7 and praised the attacking midfielder postmatch for his influence.
“Gio was very, very active, was never within reach of the opponent,” Terzic said. “He positioned himself very well and was directly involved in the goal.”
A three-match homestand continues for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with the first Der Klassiker of the Bundesliga season against rivals Bayern Munich.