IRVINE, Calif. - It would be simple to interpret Gio Reyna's performance on Friday evening as a strong and decisive finish.

His goal? That remarkable, outside-of-the-boot, curving shot that sealed the U.S. men's national team's 4-1 victory over Paraguay?

Considering Reyna's difficult four-year period that began with his disappointing 2022 FIFA World Cup and extended through family controversies plus the conflict with ex-coach Gregg Berhalter, along with ongoing fitness and minutes concerns at Borussia Dortmund and later Borussia Monchengladbach, Reyna's expression of delight at SoFi Stadium came across as a genuine end to a tough time.

But suppose this serves as a launch instead? That is what Reyna hopes for, along with U.S. Soccer.

U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino selected Reyna for this World Cup squad due to his distinctive skill, his natural gift that suggests a substantial stretch ahead where he reveals his full potential to the game.

Pochettino described Reyna as a special case, and many others agree. Even skeptical U.S. Soccer supporters who felt Reyna had not earned a place on this roster admit his pace, positioning sense and distribution ability hint at something outstanding. They simply have not witnessed it consistently.

Yet Reyna's teammates on the national team, who have seen his progress from youth levels to major tournaments along with his setbacks in Qatar, note they observe his standout qualities regularly. They point out his superior talent appears often during practice. They note moments such as Friday's trivela strike are not rare but expected.

We notice plays like that from him daily, said Christian Pulisic. So it comes as no real shock. I mentioned to him that he earned it.

Such views about Reyna deserving recognition may prove difficult for some to embrace, which is understandable. Observers can hold any opinion regarding his match record, injury issues or stance on limited action at the prior World Cup. He has given them reasons.

Still, most of his peers in the dressing room and at camp view Reyna as having begun a different stage. Reyna has stated repeatedly that he feels he has grown notably over the past four years. The shift from a 19-year-old in Qatar to a 23-year-old at a home World Cup, now with a spouse and child arriving, carries weight.

I have known for several months, Reyna said on Friday after sharing news of his upcoming parenthood via a celebration where he placed the ball under his shirt and sucked his thumb. I waited for the right moment and this seemed fitting.

Perhaps it was.

With a modest grin, Reyna discussed how relatives had urged him lately to show more initiative on the pitch. To grab chances and specifically to attempt shots more often. This suggested that limited minutes had led him to hold back, seeking ideal passes instead.

I realize I possess a solid shot, but from my role I tend to distribute first, he said. And they encourage me to be somewhat more selfish occasionally.

Even using that term made Reyna hesitate slightly, aware of possible reactions. Yet when asked if he planned to follow the advice and shoot more, he smiled and shrugged.

Yes, I believe I should, he said. If that arises in upcoming matches, I will seize the same chance and aim for a similar outcome.

Such results would benefit Reyna and the team greatly. Regardless of further goals, it appears likely Pochettino will call on him again for creativity and that unique quality.

We cannot predict the details of Reyna's coming phase. It might resemble the past or finally deliver the excitement long anticipated. Many outcomes remain possible.

What stands clear now is this: Last Friday evening represented a form of beginning.