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USA vs. Costa Rica: SBI Live Match Commentary

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By IVES GALARCEP

The U.S. Men’s National Team and Costa Rica renew acquaintances tonight, meeting for the first time since the ‘Snow Game’ in March as they clash with first place in their Gold Cup group on the line (8pm, Fox Soccer Channel).

The Ticos come into the match riding a seven-match shutout streak, and have not lost since the 1-0 loss to the U.S. in March. Their stingy defense will look to shut down an American attack that has scored 16 goals in three matches, and has won a team-record seven straight matches. A streak that began with the

While both teams have already secured their place in the quarterfinals, tonight’s match carries plenty of importance because winning the match (or in the U.S. team’s case, tying the match) can secure them an easier path in the knockout rounds. Today’s winner will face Martinique in the quarterfinals (unless Cuba or Belize can win their match by five or more goals), while the loser (or Costa Rica with a draw) would face Honduras.

Chris Wondolowski has scored a tournament-leading and USMNT Gold Cup-record five goals, and will look to build on that against a defense that is significantly tougher than any he has faced recently.

Costa Rica is apparently intent on attacking the U.S., but the key to their approach today will be pressuring a U.S. midfield that has had a field day against recent weaker opponents.

SBI will be providing live commentary on tonight’s match so please feel free to follow along with us as we cover all the action. As always, you are welcome to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action (SBI Live Match Commentary is after the jump):

Comments

  1. I remembered when Michael Orozco was red-carded in the 2008 Olympics and the everyone ripped him except for me – I stated that this was a lesson for him and if he would learn from his mistake and kept working hard, he can rebuild his reputation and start fulfilling his potential.

    He is certainly having an understated but effective Gold Cup campaign. You know a defender is doing a good job when his name isn’t being mentioned. Defenders are only mentioned when they make a mistake or score a goal.

    Well, he scored a goal (and has been threatening on corner kick opportunities) and he has played steady defense with good passing from the backline.

    Klinsie has developed the depth of the USMNT and it shows. It took a little longer than we hoped, but look at how all the players are buying in to his concepts. I’m also surprised at his tactical flexibilty over the course of a match and his gutsy lineups and substitutions.

    You can see the body language and comraderie of this team – a reflection of the US Melting Pot, from Mexico-Americans, German-Americans, Norweigian-Americans, and Domestic Americans.

    Well, I’m feeling good today about being a Yank and USMNT fan!

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    • I found it odd that they raved about that save he made right before we scored but wouldn’t show us a replay. I guess it was so close to the goal they were showing replays of the goal instead of the same.

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  2. Hope Graham Zusi is watching because he just lost his starting job! Also he might be 3rd option because Corona is coming up the depth chart! If Gatt keeps pushing hopefully zusi be out of the picture! Also Orozco has suprised me! He’s done really well in the back 4! Mix is on fire!!!!

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    • Gatts out for the rest of the season…basically he’s out of the World Cup cause this had to be a huge year for him…

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    • Seriously… If Zusi had been bad I would understand. Quite good really.

      If you were hoping for LD back there fine, but Gatt? I don’t see the appeal other than being younger that Zusi, who is not old.

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    • I never understand this attitude… Zusi hasn’t even been bad, but why would you root for him to fall out of consideration rather than rooting for him to keep improving?

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      • He can’t cross consistently……yeah he got 2 assisting crosses vs Jamaica and Germany…..but he has had so many games in which he can’t get his crosses in….hell vs Honduras, Mexico and Costa Rica he couldn’t even get past his man….

    • This is up there with some of the stranger stuff on here – but I get it, you hate Zusi. OK. JK doesn’t share your positions, sooooo…yeah. Moving on.

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    • Gatt’s out for the season…the poor guy is more injury prone than John O’Brien. No way he goes to Brazil now.

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      • I don’t know if he is injury prone….from what I have heard, most of his injuries have been due to contact. Haven’t read about this one, but yes I agree thinking of Gatt as a person to push out Zusi is plane ignorance of the fact that he will miss the rest of the season…and well even if it was only 2 months…..that means he misses the friendly vs Bosnia and the September qualifiers….IF he was playing by say late September and was in form, which even if it only took 2 months would be hard, he COULD get a start or some minutes IF we have seen the US clinch already after they play Mexico in Columbus. But doubt it, plus he is not the threat. Corona and Donovan on the other hand…..those are guys who might bench Zusi….Bedoya if he gets to the right club could make some noise as well

      • If Bedoya gets that move to the Netherlands that’s been rumored, I can see him jumping up in the squad.

  3. Maybe somebody should tell the crowd this isn’t a WCQ, the “We are going to Brazil” chant in this match makes no sense.

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