In a pitched match reminiscent of the many CONCACAF battles between the two nations, Costa Rica's Under-23 national team edged their US counterparts, 2-1, in the Toulon Tournament on Sunday afternoon.
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Fatai Alashe (pictured above) scored an equalizer for the US after Seattle Sounders Academy product Jordan Morris put his placed finish off the post in the 30th minute, but a 55th minute goal from Costa Rica's David Ramirez proved to be the decider in the 80-minute contest.
The US had a golden opportunity to take the lead within one minute of play after the Costa Rican goalkeeper flapped at a corner kick, but D.C. United man Jalen Robinson couldn't connect properly with his header, and the resultant bouncing ball was cleared from danger.
After that chance, it was Costa Rica who largely threatened the US goal, this time defended by Charlie Horton, who plays his club soccer at Cardiff City, instead of Cody Cropper, who showed some shakiness in starting the first two matches of the tournament for head coach Andi Herzog's side.
The Ticos' pressure paid off as they earned a free kick just outside the US area in the 24th minute, which Alajuelense midfielder Ronald Matarrita curled beautifully with his left foot, over the wall and into the top corner where Horton had no chance of reaching it.
It took just six minutes for the US to equalize, as Morris took down a cross from Alonso Hernandez and got one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Although his attempt rolled onto the far post, Alashe was there for the simple tap-in.
Costa Rica just about edged a more physical second half that saw hard fouls committed by both teams, as Ramirez, who plays his club soccer in France with Evian, curled in a finish from inside the area. Although the US threw numbers forward towards the close of the half – including substitute Will Packwood as an emergency forward – they were unable to break through.
Perhaps the best chance for an equalizer came on the last kick of the game, as Marc Pelosi did very well to bring down a nodded-on free kick in a packed Costa Rica area, taking a couple touches to create an opening for himself, only to fire wide.
The US, who now have three points from three games in Group A, will round out group play in Toulon when they face Qatar on June 2. Though France look almost certain to take the top spot in the group, the young Yanks still have an outside shot of finishing second and getting to the third place game, should they win Tuesday's game and other results go their way.
