The U.S. Men’s National Team knew what they needed to do Tuesday night against their CONCACAF foes, and Jurgen Klinsmann’s men stepped up big time in the face of adversity.
Following the team’s disappointing loss to Colombia in their Group A opener, the USMNT defeated Costa Rica, 4-0, at Soldier Field behind a goal and two assists from Clint Dempsey.
The Seattle Sounders attacker slotted home his penalty kick finish in the ninth minute giving the U.S. the advantage after DeAndre Yedlin found space down the right wing and delivered in a dangerous cross. Cristian Gamboa barreled into the back of Bobby Wood, setting up the early 1-0 lead for the hosts.
Dempsey continued his strong evening in the 37th minute, when he set up Jermaine Jones on the left side of the box for the USMNT’s second goal.
The Colorado Rapids midfielder opened up his body and curled a perfect shot into the far corner, leaving Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton with no chance.
Los Ticos held their fair share of possession in the opening half, but it was striker Bobby Wood who gave the U.S. a 3-0 lead heading into the halftime break. The Hamburg forward received the ball inside the box from Dempsey, then quickly spun and ripped his shot past a diving Pemberton.
Costa Rica struggled to find chances in front of goal most of the match, leaving Los Ticos frustrated. Arsenal attacker Joel Campbell was removed at halftime as head coach Oscar Ramirez looked for a change of pace, which, unfortunately for them, never came to fruition.
After a flurry of second-half substitutes, Graham Zusi put an exclamation point on a complete performance for the Americans with the team’s fourth goal of the night.
The U.S., now on three points and first in Group A by virtue of tiebreakers, will take on Paraguay on Saturday, while Costa Rica faces Colombia.