Getty Costa Rica bring a defensive mindset to Saturday's Gold Cup semifinal.
USA dispatched Costa Rica Saturday night to advance to their first Gold Cup final since 2013. After a scoreless first half, Jozy Altidore opened the scoring on a nice feed from Clint Dempsey. Desmpsey struck again ten minutes later, firing home a free kick to put the game away. They await the winner of Sunday’s Mexico-Jamaica semifinal.
Final Score
USA – 0 – 2 2
Costa Rica– 0 – 0 0
GOAL: Dempsey (82′)
Don’t mess with Texas!
@clint_dempsey nets his historic 57th international goal as the #USMNT defeats #CRC, 2-0.
t.co/6Q0JQ3c2rn
GOAL: Altidore (71′)
GOOOOL Altidore abrió la lata para USA ante Costa Rica #CopaOro2017
37′
That’s why he’s our No. 1! Tim Howard with a huge stop on Ureña to keep it 0-0. @ModeloUSA #ModeloSoccer t.co/gFicgzKZbX
Huge pad save by Tim Howard.
#GoldCup2017 #USA
1′
SO CLOSE! Morris almost gives the #USMNT the lead just 12 seconds in but hits the post! #USAvCRC #GoldCup2017 t.co/ptsEPmkEyy
Wow. Only 10-11-12 seconds in, Morris hits the left post #USMNT #USAvCRC #GoldCup2017
Pregame
March, baby. #USMNT #WeWantTheCupBack
Preview
Costa Rica have only allowed one goal in the tournament so far, but they’ll need to step up their offensive game against the Americans. In fact, Los Ticos advanced to the semifinals without scoring a goal in their previous match. An own goal from Panama gave the squad a 1-0 victory, but this is a team that is more than capable of knocking off the Americans.
For USMNT, it wasn’t that long ago when they were being walked on by Costa Rica. They were dominated 4-0 during World Cup qualifying in November, marking a low point for the Americans in the Hex. Those results have stopped, but the Americans have looked unimpressive through four Gold Cup matches.
After the first three group matches, Bruce Arena called in the reinforcements. Dempsey, Bradley and Howard are all back in the fold, and eager to chase the team’s first Gold Cup trophy since 2013.
Los Ticos haven’t reached the tournament final since 2002, when they fell 2-0 to the Americans. This is their deepest run since 2009, when they finished in third place ahead of Honduras.
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USA vs. Costa Rica: Score Updates & Gold Cup Highlights