USMNT vs Costa Rica
Photography by Gabriel Bayona Sapag
Strong performances by Diego Luna and other rarer faces in the USMNT system propelled the US to a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando this Wednesday.
From the start, it was clear Pochettino was eager to rotate the squad and give opportunities to new players fighting to get into the first-team player pool. Only Miles Robinson (playing as a right back this time), midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, and winger Brian Gutiérrez retained their starting roles from the Venezuela match.
Zack Steffen made his first appearance since the World Cup qualifying finale in March 2022, while captain Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman partnered in central defense for the first time since that painful round-of-16 loss to the Netherlands in Qatar. Emeka Eneli and Indiana Vassilev both earned their first starts for the national team, while DeJuan Jones and Brian White completed the starting lineup.
With that, the USMNT took the field in Orlando looking to build upon the victory against Venezuela over the weekend.
The team got off to a strong start, and Brian White opened the scoring in the first half following a dazzling link-up play with a bloodied Diego Luna. A few moments prior to the goal, Luna had been forced to leave the field following an accidental elbow from Costa Rica’s Creichel Pérez. Thankfully, Luna returned after treatment and promptly set up White for the game’s opening goal.
Luna’s incisive pass from midfield sliced through Costa Rica’s defense, allowing White to take a touch and fire a low, left-footed shot into the net in the 21st minute. It was White’s first international goal and one that he celebrated in proper fashion.
White nearly doubled his tally in the 27th minute, but Alvarado cleared his effort off the goal line. Shortly after, Steffen made a key save, leaping to tip a dipping shot over the bar in the 37th minute. The half ended with an impressive defensive effort from Robinson, who thwarted a late Costa Rican chance.
Pochettino made changes at halftime, introducing Jack McGlynn, Matko Miljevic, and Clark. McGlynn and Miljevic, who had both contributed to goals against Venezuela, immediately influenced the attack. Despite creating opportunities, including a promising chance for White, the U.S. failed to convert early in the second half.
Steffen continued to impress, making a diving save in the 56th minute to deny a powerful shot from Allan Cruz. As the match progressed, frequent substitutions and fouls disrupted the flow of play.
Finally, the U.S. extended its lead in the 77th minute when Eneli recovered possession in the attacking third and set up Caden Clark, who scored with a first-time strike from the edge of the penalty area. The final goal came in the 90th minute when Jones delivered a perfectly curled pass to Agyemang, who smashed a shot past the substitute goalkeeper. Agyemang’s goal marked his second in as many games.
Steffen finished the night with three saves, earning his 12th career shutout and Man of the Match honors.
This win marked the USMNT’s second in four days, following a 3-1 triumph over Venezuela over the weekend at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Overall, Pochettino’s first January camp was a true success, featuring eight player debuts and multiple first-time goal scorers. Over two matches, the coach utilized 19 starters, showcasing the team’s depth and potential. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see a few of these newer players earn a bigger role within the national team ahead of the World Cup.
Next up, the USMNT will compete in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on March 20 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. They’ll face Panama, aiming to secure their fourth consecutive title in the tournament.
Photography by Gabriel Bayona Sapag
