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HomeSoccerLa SeleCosta Rica falters late, falls to the United States, 2-0

Costa Rica falters late, falls to the United States, 2-0

A late goal and an assist from Sebastian Lletget proved all the scoring the United States needed to defeat Costa Rica, 2-0, in an international friendly Saturday afternoon.

Lletget headed home a Jonathan Lewis cross to break an 80-minute deadlock at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.

In the 88th minute, Lletget set up Paul Arriola as the United States secured its second win in as many games under new head coach Gregg Berhalter, while Costa Rica lost its first with Gustavo Matosas.

After a slow first 45 minutes, the United States imposed its will on La Sele.

The United States nearly took advantage of Costa Rica’s aggressive pressing early in the second half with a counterattack in the 51st minute, but Cristian Roldan missed the net from inside the box.

Four minutes later, Nick Lima — playing at his home stadium — beat goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado but hit the post with a right-footed shot.

The post saved Costa Rica again in the 68th minute when Roldan blasted a shot from outside the 18-yard box.

But Costa Rica’s luck ran out late as Lletget and Arriola picked apart La Sele‘s defense.

Both coaches fielded youth-laden, local rosters, as the game was not played on an official FIFA match date.


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