David Ochoa was seen as a surprise starter for the U.S. Men’s National Team in Thursday’s Concacaf Olympic qualifying opener, but the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper showed why Jason Kreis gave him the nod with a stellar showing that helped the Americans open their qualifying campaign with a victory.
Ochoa made nine saves as the Americans claimed a 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the Concacaf Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Mexico. Ochoa’s outstanding performance made him the easy pick for SBI Man of the Match
While the Americans claimed the win and notched the only goal of the match, Costa Rica had the majority of the offensive chances and was denied on several occasions by the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper. Ochoa was up to the task early as his defensive backline started frantic, denying Adrian Martinez twice as well as Yurguin Roman’s free kick.
Ochoa continued to face pressure after halftime, but was up to the task on multiple occasions against Costa Rica’s heavyweights. Randall Leal and Luis Diaz both were denied by Ochoa in the early minutes while the youngster continued to rack up the saves as the half went on.
Ochoa earned Man of the Match honors ahead Jesus Ferreira, Sam Vines and Hassani Dotson.
What did you think of Ochoa’s performance? Who else stood out in the U.S. squad?
Share your thoughts below.
Ochoa had 10 saves. The one not counted being the saving the a$$es of the US. Agree with Jesus Ferreira, Sam Vines and Hassani Dotson having good games but Ochoa should have been carried off the field on Pineda, Glad and Yuell’s shoulders. If he doesn’t play another minute and the US qualifies it will be because of his performance versus Costa Rica. He would have been the US’s MVP. It was that important. If let’s in one goal and the result turns into a draw everything changes. Thank you Mr Ochoa and thank Mr Kreis for starting him.
Kreis sucks!
Maybe. He coaxed a win out of the team. His substitutes had a positive impact on the game. Agree that he can be faulted for failing to stop the wide play by the TICOs that gave their wings time and space. However, a win is a win. A win against DR, makes the Mexico match moot, allowing us to rest some key players for the semis, which are essentially dual finals because the winners are guaranteed a spot in Tokyo.
Pump the brakes … a USMNT win over DR doesn’t necessary mean they’re in the semi’s. If the Ticos upset Mexico, a US loss to Mexico would set up a 3-way tie … yuck! US needs to beat DR, but also needs to try win by a few – 4 would be nice. Otherwise, a result vs. Mexico (in Mexico) could become a req.
Yeah!!!! I hate 3 pts in a group stage opener too!!!!!
He was good enough that if he continues to develop the Us in the future should give him consideration for the adult national team.