Harrison, N.J. – The struggles continue for the US men’s national team.
After seeing few chances against Mexico during their 3-2 CONCACAF Cup loss Saturday, the Americans again failed to threaten the Costa Rican goal in a 1–0 loss in a friendly Tuesday night in front of 9,214 fans at Red Bull Arena.
Joel Campbell scored the game’s lone goal in the 72nd minute, slotting a left-footer passed Tim Howard and inside the far post. The goal consigned the US to their third consecutive defeat, their second three-match losing streak in a calendar year.
The first half told the story for the US. With midfielders Jermaine Jones and Danny Williams facing constant pressure from los Ticos, they struggled to retain possession throughout the match.
Tim Ream had the best chance for the US in the first half, heading a Brek Shea free kick toward the near post that forced a kick save from Costa Rican goalkeeper Kaylor Navas. Costa Rica nearly took the lead moments before the interval when Montreal Impact midfielder Johan Venegas’ shot was blocked on the line by Brad Evans.
Klinsmann retained four starters from the team that started last Saturday’s match. Jones moved from the right side to central midfield to partner with Williams while Gyasi Zardes moved to striker along with Jozy Altidore. Former Houston Dynamo man Geoff Cameron stayed at center back for the US. Jones, Altidore and Cameron all played the first half before being substituted.
Howard made his first start for the USMNT since the team’s loss to Belgium in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16 and made three saves. New roster additions Mix Diskerud, Brek Shea, Andrew Wooten and Lee Nguyen all played for the US.
The US begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in St. Louis on Nov. 13 against St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Costa Rica will begin theirs at home against Haiti on the same day.
