With the task of qualifying for the knockout stage complete, the U.S. Men’s National Team now looks to lock up the top spot in Group C when they face Costa Rica in the final match of the group phase. Kickoff at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn., is set for 7 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast live on FOX Soccer and UniMas.
Costa Rica sits in second place, also with two wins but a lower goal differential. The United States needs only a draw to secure a first-place finish in the group, which would mean a match against the third-place team from either Group A or Group B in the quarterfinal. The second place team from Group C will meet the second place finisher from Group B.
The U.S. and Costa Rica are all square in the all-time series with a 12-12-6 overall in international play. The teams have met six times in the Gold Cup (1991, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005), making the Ticos the USA’s most common opponent alongside Mexico. With five wins and one draw, the MNT remains unbeaten in the tournament series. Read more at US Soccer
From the press conference: @J_Klinsmann "We are putting our best team out there tomorrow. We are here to win and send a signal."
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) July 15, 2013
You can read more of Klinsmann’s comments here. Note that the next US Soccer World Cup Qualifier will be against Costa Rica, on Friday September 6th in CR.
On a related note, the St Louis Scott Gallagher U18 Academy boys are playing tonight as well. Kickoff is at 6pm and they face Shattucks-St Mary (MN) in the second of three group games during Finals Week as the US Soccer Development Academy looks to identify the 2013 Champion. It’s a must-win and I won’t be joining the US match until this one is over. If you want to take in the game, a live stream is available.
And as always, you can enjoy the game with the American Outlaws chapter in Springfield as well
24 hours to kick for @ussoccer v Costa Rica. We'll be @rymacs_sgf w/beer and food specials. Join us at the game and join @AmericanOutlaws
— AO Springfield (@AOSpringfield) July 16, 2013
