The USMNT was back in action on Saturday to close out training camp with a 2-0 shutout of Costa Rica at San Jose's Avaya Stadium. After a first-half where both teams had issues developing much offense, the USMNT responded with a stronger showing in the second-half for back-to-back camp wins.
Once again, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter waited to make changes, ultimately using all of his substitutes. As was the case against Panama, those USMNT subs fit well into what was happening on the field. The USMNT capitalized in the 80th minute when Sebastian Lletget headed in a Jonathan Lewis cross. Lletget sent a through ball in for Paul Arriola to double the USMNT lead in the 88th minute. USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen kept the clean sheet with one save.
"We talked at halftime about how it was a very difficult game," Berhalter told Fox. "I think in the second-half the guys were up to the challenge. Much more aggressive, much more life, much more bravery.... Overall, I think it was a good lesson that we have to go for it. The guys did a great job."
The USMNT returns to action against Ecuador in Orlando on March 21. US Soccer announced that game earlier on Saturday.
-- GAME REPORT --
Match: U.S. Men's National Team vs. Costa Rica
Date: February 2, 2019
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Avaya Stadium; San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 13,656
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. local time)
Weather: 55 degrees; mostly cloudy
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 0 2 2
CRC 0 0 0
USA - Sebastian Lletget (Jonathan Lewis) 80th minute
USA - Paul Arriola (Sebastian Lletget) 88
Lineups:
USA: 1-Zack Steffen; 2-Nick Lima, 25-Walker Zimmerman,3-Aaron Long (capt.), 5-Daniel Lovitz; 6-Wil Trapp; 10-Cristian Roldan, 8-Djordje Milhailovic (17-Sebastian Lletget, 63); 7-Corey Baird (18-Jonathan Lewis, 70), 9-Gyasi Zardes (21-Christian Ramirez, 78), 14-Paul Arriola
Substitutes not used: 12-Sean Johnson, 4-Michael Bradley, 11-Jeremy Ebobisse, 13-Reggie Cannon, 20-Marky Delgado, 23-Auston Trusty
Head Coach: Gregg Berhalter
CRC: 1-Esteban Alvarado; 12-Waylon Francis, 15-Francisco Calvo (capt.), 4-Keysher Fuller, 3-Pablo Arboine (14-José Miguel Cubero, 86); 13-Allan Cruz, 25-Marvin Loría (8-Joseph Mora, 77), 17-Ronaldo Araya (19-Jean Scott, 58), 20-David Guzmán (5-Néstor Monge, 81), 16-José Alfaro (21-Alberth Villalobos, 56); 11-José Guillermo Ortiz (9-Jonathan McDonald, 63)
Substitutes not used: 23-Marco Madrigal, 18-Kevin Chamorro, 2-Yostin Salinas, 6-Jaikel Medina, 7-Yendrick Ruiz, 22-Barlon Sequeira
Head coach: Gustavo Matosas
Stats Summary: USA / CRC
Shots: 12 / 6
Shots on Goal: 4 / 1
Saves: 1 / 2
Corner Kicks: 7 / 3
Fouls: 16 / 18
Offside: 3 / 0
Misconduct Summary:
CRC - Keysher Fuller (caution) 53rd minute
USA - Walker Zimmerman (caution) 72
Officials:
Referee: Fernando Hernandez (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Andres Hernandez (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Mario Lopez (MEX)
4th Official: Luis Santander (MEX)
Photo by John Dorton - ISIPhotos.com
