Gio Reyna certainly made the most of his opportunity by providing an assist in Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw with Wolves.
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Reyna makes first startAssists Gibbs-White from cornerForest settle for 2-2 drawGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Forest went behind in the 40th minute, conceding a goal to Wolves' Matheus Cunha just five minutes before halftime. The hosts, though, would fire back before heading back to the locker room, with Reyna assisting Morgan Gibbs-White from a corner kick in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.
Momentum continued into the second half, when Forest seized the lead in the 58th minute via a scrappy finish. After the ball bounced off several players in the box, Forest's Danilo was there to pounce, giving the hosts the lead.
It lasted just five minutes, though, before a goalkeeping mishap from Matz Sels handed Cunha a second goal to level the match at 2-2.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Three points would have been massive for Forest's hopes of staying in the Premier League, but one will have to do. It's a helpful one, for sure, as the push to remain in the top flight will certainly go down to the wire.
With the draw, Forest move up to 17th in the league, one point ahead of 18th-place Luton Town. They're still one point behind 16th-place Everton, though, who also have two games in hand.
USMNT IMPACT
Given his first start at the club, Reyna made the most of his opportunity. Until Saturday, Reyna's minutes had been sporadic at best. He'd played just 90 minutes since joining the club in January due to a lack of opportunities at Borussia Dortmund.
Reyna was kept at the start of the match, but he certainly grew into the game as it continued. The American had one shot go just wide late in the first half, but he did eventually get his goal contribution from a corner kick.
Reyna's fantastic set-piece found the head of Morgan Gibbs-White, who made no mistake with his headed finish. It was a big moment for Reyna, who will now look to build on his assist going forward. With the Copa America looming, every minute will matter for the midfielder as he prepares for what he will hope is a big role at this summer's tournament.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Gio Reyna (7/10):
A very good day for the American. Got his assist, but also added life to a Forest attack that certainly needs it. Reyna's performance was further evidence that he should have a part to play in the final weeks of the season.