ARLINGTON, TX (July 22, 2017) – The United States Men’s National Team are through to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final! They defeated Costa Rica 2-0 on Saturday night. After a tightly contested hour of play, substitute Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore scored to lead the Americans to victory.
Ticos Manager Óscar Ramírez had his team in a 5-4-1. Patrick Pemberton started in goal with Kendall Waston started at center back next to Francisco Calvo. Johnny Acosta started in the middle as well. Bryan Ruiz started at right midfield next to David Guzmán. Marco Ureña was the lone striker.
United States Head Coach Bruce Arena started the big guns for this one. Tim Howard was in goal. Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, and Graham Zusi started at the back in a 4-4-2. Kellyn Acosta and Michael Bradley were reunited in central midfield with Darlington Nagbe and Paul Arriola out wide. Jozy Altidore and Jordan Morris started up top.
Dempsey And Altidore Lead USMNT To 2-0 Win Over Ticos, Gold Cup Final Birth
The Yanks nearly scored just moments into the game. Right off the kickoff Zusi sent the ball long towards Morris, who went in on goal and shot a ball of the post. The Americans were the more dangerous team throughout the first half. Arriola was active and Nagbe facilitated the attack. He distributed the ball well when he cut inside and drew several fouls to give the team set piece chances.
Costa Rica started off slower. The United States midfield did well to disrupt the build up from Los Ticos. About 25 minutes in, Costa Rica made a chance, appearing to play a 5-3-2. Bryan Ruiz moved to a central attacking role and it paid off almost immediately:
Their best chance of the half came in the 37th minute. Ruiz dribbled the ball through midfield then unlocked Urena. The forward shot first time just 10 yards from goal, but Howard made the save, kicking out his leg.
The two sides traded half chances, but nothing came to it. The half ended 0-0 with no yellow cards.
Just minutes to the second half, Nagbe got a golden chance. Morris got into the box and forced Pemberton out of his area. Zusi crossed it in and the ball fell to Nagbe, but he wasn’t expecting it and it bounced out for a goal kick.
Costa Rica settled into the match. The build up out of the back was better in the second half, and Ruiz continued to be the focal point of the attack.
The match opened up in the 67th minute when Clint Dempsey subbed in for Arriola. Pemberton reacted well, denying Altidore on a long range shot. He later beat Dempsey to a cross on a set piece, preventing a header goal. His best save of the night probably came in the 70th minute. Acosta uncorked a shot from the top of the box after a good build up. Pemberton made the save and gathered the rebound in the air. Howard responded just moments later, making another great save on Urena.
The Yanks finally broke through in the 72nd minute. Dempsey danced through the Costa Rican midfield and delivered a perfect pass to unleash Altidore onside. Altidore went in on the breakaway and shot between Pemberton’s legs to make it 1-0.
Dempsey wouldn’t be denied his moment though. Acosta won a free kick in the 82nd minute. Dempsey stepped up to take. He shot it low and hard under the wall and into the corner of the goal past Pemberton. The AT&T Stadium crowd errupted to celebrate as Dempsey had tied Landon Donovan for the all time USMNT Goal Scoring Record (57).
Costa Rica couldn’t muster a comeback and the match ended 2-0.
Scoring Summary:
72′ United States – Jozy Altidore (assisted by Clint Dempsey)
82′ United States – Clint Dempsey (unassisted)
Final Thoughts:
This was a massive performance and result for Bruce Arena. The first half was highly contested, but after that the United States showed their class. Costa Rica could make a case they were the second best team going into the knockout round. The Americans held the offense in check for all but two big Tim Howard saves. They bent, but didn’t break against Ruiz, a massive accomplishment. Ultimately, the big guns got the job done. Dempsey earned it tonight.
For Costa Rica, they’ll be disappointed in the result. The attack was a bit lack luster and you have wonder if Urena can be the man going forward. Still, they had six injuries in this tournament. They did well all things considered, and they’ll still be in great shape for World Cup qualification.
