The national team of The United States defeated its counterpart from Costa Rica 3-0 this Wednesday during a friendly held at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in which Mexican Miguel Herrera made his debut as coach of the Central American country.
As it was a duel outside of FIFA dates, both Mauricio Pochettino, United States strategist, and Herrera, showed alternative squads with players from their respective local leagues, in a test that will serve the Americans ahead of the Concacaf Nations League who will return to action in March.
The match was largely dominated by the United States, who showed a colorful and touchy game under the leadership of Pochettino.
Brian White put the United States ahead early on the scoreboard in the 21st minute‘, after Diego Luna, from Real Salt Lake, received in the center of the field and advanced without opposition until filtering a good pass for the Vancouver Whitecaps forward to cross the ball with a left foot to the far post.
The Costa Rican team had its opportunities but ran into several very worthwhile interventions by goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who defends the Colorado Rapids goal in the MLS.
The second goal for Pochettino’s team came in the 77th minute. after an error in the release of the ball by Costa Rica. Emeka Eneli, from Real Salt Lake, stole the ball and served an assist from the front for Caden Clark that the Montreal player did not waste with an impeccable shot.
The icing on the cake was in 90 Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte), who closed a convincing victory for the United States with a left foot.
In this way, the United States closes its friendlies at the beginning of the year with two wins, after defeating Venezuela 3-1 last Saturday in a match played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
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