Fútbol Friday: Navas solid vs. Nice; Shirley Cruz back in Costa Rica

PSG had Nice saying “uncle” during its 4-1 victory on Friday.

Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas started and made one save during the match. PSG went up 2-0 before halftime and pulled away late after two Nice players were sent off.

PSG plays next on Tuesday against Club Brugge as part of the UEFA Champions League group stages.

* * * *

Shirley Cruz: Back in the red and black

Costa Rican soccer star Shirley Cruz will make her return to national club soccer this weekend.

The midfielder has signed with CODEA Alajuela and is expected to play Sunday.

Todo listo para empezar a jugar 🦁 pic.twitter.com/0LLqomF5rE

— Shirley Cruz (@ShirleyCruzCR) October 17, 2019

Cruz has played for Lyon and PSG in France, and she helped lead Costa Rica’s women’s national team to its lone World Cup appearance in 2015.

* * * *

Minnesota United reach MLS playoffs without Calvo

Francisco Calvo’s departure was apparently a positive for Minnesota United, which reached its first MLS Cup playoffs without the Costa Rican defender.

Citing unnamed sources, the Pioneer Press reported that Calvo’s leadership style produced “general unrest” within the club.

Calvo was traded to the Chicago Fire in May. The Fire just missed a playoff berth, finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference.

* * * *

Canada beats United States in Nations League

Costa Rica has struggled to a pair of Nations League draws, but it’s not the only CONCACAF favorite underperforming.

The U.S. men’s national team looked listless in a 2-0 defeat to Canada — a result which marked the Canadians’ first win over their North American neighbors since 1985.

Mexico, meanwhile, has cruised to a pair of group stage victories and looks poised to qualify to the Nations League semifinals with ease.