The U.S. Men’s National Team closes out its first month of friendly action on Saturday as they face Costa Rica in San Jose.
After earning his first victory as USMNT head coach, Gregg Berhlater will seek a positive ending to his first camp in charge. Standing in the way will be a Costa Rican side who like the USMNT, are in their first camp under a new head coach.
Wil Trapp and Paul Arriola replaces Michael Bradley and Jeremy Ebobisse in Berhalter’s starting XI as the only two changes from Sunday’s 3-0 win over Panama.
Almost that time in San Jose. Introducing the #USMNT starting XI vs. 🇨🇷!
Lineup 📝 » https://t.co/ymRxhtbsQc pic.twitter.com/sBjjAAe2BS
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) February 2, 2019
The SBI editorial staff will be providing live commentary on this afternoon’s match so feel free to follow the action here. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions (NOT play-by-play commentary) in the comments section below.
Enjoy the match.
FT: USMNT 2 – Costa Rica 0. Goals by Lletget and Arriola gives Gregg Berhalter his second consecutive win as head coach. U.S. definitely with a much better second half today in dismal weather conditions. A lot to be happy about for the U.S. as they next prepare for March friendlies against Chile and Ecuador. Thanks for joining us!
Ramirez with a great through ball and Arriola chips the keeper. 2-0. Game over. 88′
Almost a bad moment for the U.S. after a poor backpass from Trapp but Costa Rica fails to do much with it. 88′
Two Costa Rican players down behind the play gives both teams a chance to breathe. 84′
What a special moment for Sebastien Lletget. First time on the pitch at Avaya since a major injury and he breaks the deadlock. 1-0. 80′
Christian Ramirez on for Gyasi Zardes. 78′
Roldan vs. Cruz has been a fun matchup to watch. We will see them duke it out on MLS Opening Weekend as well. 75′
Now we can confirm Trapp and Bradley are behind McKinnor, Adams, and Morales in the depth chart.
McKinnie
Jonathan Lewis comes on for Corey Baird. 70′
Baird is able to get a head to a cross but it’s over and whistled offsides. 70′
Roldan rattles the left post after getting off a left-footed volley. Second time today U.S. struck the post. 68′
Corners starting to pile up for U.S. after Arriola wins another. 67′
Corner for U.S. after Lletget’s cross was deflected out with a hand. 65′
First change for U.S.: Sebastian Lletget coming on for Djordje Mihailovic. 62′
Aaron Long heads into the Costa Rican goal but play blown dead prior due to a U.S. foul. 61′
Great work by Lima to win a corner for his side. Definitely a good outing for him today. 61′
U.S. with another close chance. Long’s backheel is cleared near the line before he soars his second attempt. 59′
Alfredo Villalobos on for Alfaro. First change for either team. 56′
Arriola with a cross but Francis is able to put off Mihailovic at the last second. 55′
Nick Lima with a bending shot which hits the left post. Still 0-0. 54′
For everyone who was wondering about the field conditions. San Jose got close to two inches of rain yesterday evening.
Arriola with a great run but Roldan is unable to get good connection on the bouncing ball. Misses to the left. 50′
Watching Tyler Adams play yesterday and McKennie play today, no one in this C-team midfield setup comes anywhere close in terms of quality.
Back in action in San Jose.
Wow. Just wow. The lack of ball skills is astounding for US. How did Trapp ever convince anyone he is good? I heard his name thrown around at u20 level and since . He is out of his depth against CR b team. Hopefully he just prooved that to Berhalter and we wont see him again
Hate to be the bearer of unpopular news… but this game would be perfect for Bradley.
As expected, CR is much tougher. Too many errant passes. I think this is a game made for Lletget. He has the skill and passing ability to break down CR
Heavy touches all over the place….what is up with the lack of completed combination plays ? ???
Not sure. Needs to be fixed but definitely a better opponent.
HT: USMNT 0 – Costa Rica 0. Both sides have had chances but nothing really troubling either goalkeeper. Expect some changes coming by Berhalter to spark the offense. More to come.
Costa Rica’s speed on the backline has helped several times today against the U.S. forwards. 41′
No real signs of a breakthrough goal yet but both sides have showed some promise as this match has gone on. 36′
Corner kick after Roldan’s cross is deflected out. Nice move by U.S. there. 27′
Free kick for U.S. is headed away by Costa Rica. Not the best from Mihailovic. 25′
Long tumbles into Allan Cruz, no whistle. 21′
Zardes forcing a save there after Mihailovic was able to get a pass to him. Still 0-0. 20′
Put channel where to watch. I hate how you all don’t do that
Canal Siete
Arriola with a nice cross after a good run but could only be played out for a corner. 17′
Put the channel where to watch next time.
Zardes plays a cross but nobody is able to get to it. Nice little counter by U.S. though. 14′
As expected, Costa Rica is pressuring the USMNT more than Panama did in the opening 10 mins. 10′
Baird comes up holding his head after he was fouled on a corner kick by Costa Rica. 9′
Second chance by Costa Rica is fired over by Guzman. First chance was poor. 8′
Baird and Arriola can’t beat Costa Rica with speed. Need more cunning.
Long with the foul. Dangerous area for a Ticos FK here. 7′
Steffen falls on his goal kick. Field definitely does not look at its best today. 6′
Corner eventually leads to nothing as a cross is out for a U.S. goalkick. 5′
First corner goes to Costa Rica after Aaron Long heads out a shot attempt. 5′
Wil Trapp winning his first tackle already. Probably going to be hearing that a lot today. 4′
Francisco Calvo leading Los Ticos backline, with several experienced defenders missing for Costa Rica. 2′
Greetings, should be a fun match in San Jose between the USMNT and Costa Rica. Two changes for Gregg Berhalter today with Paul Arriola and Wil Trapp coming in.
CR without Navas is not nearly as intimidating.