The Costa Ricans want revenge and they will be luring the USMNT to the Monster's Cave to ensure it.
The Estadio Ricardo Saprissa is where the Costa Rican soccer federation says they will be playing their Sept. 6 World Cup qualifier against the US national team, even though they've played most of their matches at the newly constructed National Stadium, which features a pristine grass pitch.
The USMNT beat Costa Rica 1-0 in a controversial qualifier played during a blizzard at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on March 22. The Central American side wanted the match to be replayed, but their protest was rejected by FIFA on a technicality.
Now it's payback time.
HOUSE OF HORRORS: USMNT's last six matches at Saprissa
Costa Rican federation president Eduardo Li told Radio ADN 90.7 in Costa Rica that the plan is to stage the Sept. 6 qualifier at the Ricardo Saprissa, which also serves as home for national powers Deportivo Saprissa, as long as it meets FIFA approval.
"If we're going to play there, the conditions have to be right," Li said. "I communicated this to [Deportivo Saprissa president] Juan Carlos Rojas, as far as the field is concerned which needs to be approved by FIFA, of course."
According to reports, the drainage at the Ricardo Saprissa was not functioning properly over the weekend for the league clash between Saprissa and archrivals Alajuelense. Also, there's the minor issue of the stadium illumination, which may be a moot point if the match is played during the day.
But Rojas has made it clear that the necessary repairs to the drainage system and the "flattening of the field" will occur in July.
Known for its artificial turf and the proximity of the fans to the field and lockers, the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa has been a nightmare venue for the USMNT. The Americans have never won there, holding an 0-7-1 record in World Cup qualifying in Costa Rica.
