Gio Reyna made the most of a chance to shine in the DFB-Pokal as the American put in a solid shift in a win over John Brooks and Hoffenheim.
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Reyna and Brooks both startUSMNT midfielder's second start in a rowDortmund faces gruelling schedule
Reyna made his second consecutive start and logged 70 good minutes in the win, creating several big chances for Dortmund. The hosts, ultimately, got their goal through Marco Reus just before halftime, as they sealed a 1-0 victory at Signal Iduna Park.
With the win, Dortmund have advanced to the competition's round of 16, with the draw set for November 5 with matches to be held on December 5-6.
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
It was a relatively dominant first half for Dortmund, who had Hoffenheim under siege but struggled to truly break through.
That breakthrough did come, though, just minutes before halftime with Reus the goalscorer, as he has been so often over the years. The German star was on the end of a cutting pass from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, allowing him to loop a shot into the right corner to give Dortmund the lead.
It was a lead they would never relinquish as Hoffenheim struggled to create much of anything en route to their 1-0 defeat.
In total, Dortmund outshot their opponents, 22-6, in a fairly dominant display headlined by a trio of young stars and the legendary Reus.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The start was Reyna's second consecutive appearance in the Dortmund XI, as he had previously started in the 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt over the weekend. He lasted just 45 minutes in that match, though, making this run out a little bit more substantial.
Reyna played 70 minutes in this one as he continues to ramp up fitness after returning from an injury that delayed his start to the season. Those 70 minutes were largely good, as he combined well with fellow young stars Youssoufa Moukoko and Bynoe-Gittens, who also showed well in the win. Reus may have gotten the goal, but it was the performances of those three that will leave Dortmund fans most impressed.
As for Brooks, he's been ever-present for Hoffenheim to start this season and he remains a key starter for the club as they sit sixth in the league even after this cup defeat.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
Reyna is very clearly still working his way back to full fitness, having only returned to the field just ahead of the international break in October. Getting this start is good news, although the USMNT will be waiting to see him get more regular minutes in the Bundesliga before getting too excited.
As for Brooks, who knows what his USMNT status is. Gregg Berhalter namedropped him this fall as a player that is in the centerback pool, which was the first sign in a while that he may actually be in consideration. It'll likely take a series of strong performances but, with the Copa America just around the corner, Berhalter will need to consider all options.
Getty ImagesGOAL'S RATINGS
Gio Reyna (7/10):
Didn't get a goal contribution, but it felt like he could have had several. Was tricky and decisive in the attack, creating five chances during his 70-minute run. It was the type of performance that will lead to more opportunities, for sure.
John Brooks (5/10):
Helped hold down the fort against plenty of Dortmund attacks, but was at least partially at fault on the opening goal after losing Reus. Other than that, passing was good and Brooks was defensively solid, but it all comes down to those one moment, doesn't it?