The U.S. Men’s National Team notched a resounding 4-0 win against regional rival Costa Rica in front of 39,642 fans at Soldier Field to breathe new life into its 2016 Copa America Centenario aspirations.
Needing a positive result to stay in the hunt for a top two spot in Group A, the U.S. executed a counter-attacking game plan to the tune of three goals in the first 42 minutes. Forward Clint Dempsey stuffed the stat sheet for the USA, notching the opening goal – the 50th of his illustrious MNT career in the 9th minute from the penalty spot – and then assisting both Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood in the final ten minutes of the opening half.
The U.S. backline of DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, John Brooks and Fabian Johnson also put in a strong shift, limiting the Ticos to six total shots (just two on goal) en route to helping goalkeeper Brad Guzan claim his third clean sheet in the team’s last four games.
The USA (1-1-0, 3 pts.) temporarily moves into a tie with Colombia (1-0-0, 3 pts.) atop Group A; however, los Cafeteros play Paraguay (0-0-1, 1 pt.) in the day’s late game. Costa Rica (0-1-1, 1 pt.) drops to the bottom of the group standings.
The tournament continues for the MNT on Saturday, June 11, against Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The third Group A match for both teams will kick off at 7 pm ET and be broadcast live on FS1, UniMas, and UDN.
