Former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann will seek his first victory as manager of the United States when the national team plays host to Costa Rica on Friday in a friendly at 9 p.m. in Los Angeles.
Ten of the 21 players called up for a 1-1 draw against Mexico on August 10 in Klinsmann’s debut will return for the U.S., including Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and Rangers teammates Carlos Bocanegra and Maurice Edu.
“We are excited to get the group back together and to see some fresh new faces,” Klinsmann said. “We will continue to get to know the players and gather some valuable information.
“Hopefully we can continue where we left off from the game against Mexico.”
Robbie Rogers of the Columbus Crew, who scored against Mexico, and Brek Shea of FC Dallas are also back in the line-up.
Los Angeles Galaxy star Landon Donovan will play for the United States against Costa Rica on his club’s home pitch but will not make the trip to Europe to face Belgium in a friendly on Tuesday in Brussels.
The U.S. squad will, however, gain Fulham playmaker Clint Dempsey for the Belgium match. He did not make the trip to Los Angeles from England because of back spasms but is set to be on the pitch next week.
Central midfielder Michael Bradley, the son of former U.S. coach Bob Bradley, was not among those called to the U.S. roster for the matches.
Among the newcomers seeing Klinsmann for the first time as U.S. coach are forward Jozy Altidore of AZ Alkmaar, midfielder Sacha Kljestan of Anderlecht and Birmingham City defender Jonathan Spector.
Costa Rica’s interim coach Ronald Gonzalez will be coaching his first match for the Ticos national squad. Ricardo La Volpe resigned as Costa Rica’s head coach last month.
