• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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(photo credit: Bobby O’Hara/PureSportsNY)

HARRISON, NJ – Heading into Friday’s World Cup Qualifier vs Costa Rica, the USMNT was riding a winning wave under Head Coach Bruce Arena. The team was undefeated since the head coaching change and the US was feeling optimistic about getting closer to the top of their Group. Everyone knew the importance of this game. As it sat, the United States was a full game behind Costa Rica (2nd in the group) and with a win they would be in good position going into Honduras next match while Costa Rica would have to face #1 Mexico. So that was the plan get three points and everything will hopefully work out from there.

Photo: Bobby O'Hara/PureSportsNY
Jozy Altidore argues his way into his second yellow card. He will not be able to play Tuesday vs. Honduras Photo: Bobby O’Hara/PureSportsNY

That plan didn’t go as expected Friday night at Red Bull Arena. The US not only didn’t get the full three points, they didn’t get any! Marco Ureña scored twice for the Ticos, helping Costa Rica inch even closer to a World Cup berth. The US suffered it’s first loss of 2017 and not only that, but they also lost starting striker Jozy Altidore for Tuesday’s match. Altidore was given his second yellow card Friday night after a heated exchange with the Costa Rican defense.

So You’re Saying There’s a Chance?

Overall this was not a good look for United States soccer and with only three games left this will put their qualifying effort back in jeopardy. Next game is Tuesday 9/5 vs Honduras and the team’s urgency will be at an all time high. However, it’s not all bad for the Americans. Luckily the way the CONCACAF Hexagonal is setup, the Americans still have a decent shot at making the party. The top three teams in each group automatically clinch a World Cup berth. The fourth place team plays a playoff game against the fifth placed team in Asia. The remaining teams are eliminated. Right now it seems that anything higher than third may be out of reach for the Yanks.

Here is a look at the current table situation.

(MLS.com)
(MLS.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Bobby O'Hara

Bobby is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting where he studied TV, Radio, and Journalism. Growing up in New Jersey, he is a hometown guy who loves the local fans’ passion for the game. Bobby currently covers football for PureSportsNY. Graduating with awards in both audio and video production, Bobby also produces video and graphics.

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