USA 2, Costa Rica 2: A Look Back

A night running high on emotions for both sides for completely opposite reasons, it was Costa Rica who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck early, netting two great goals through Bryan Ruiz to go ahead only 23 minutes in.  But the rest of the match was dominated by the Americans, who were fighting for stricken teammate Charlie Davies, who two days prior was a passenger in a fatal accident that left a female dead.  The US seemed to have early momentum, when in the 9th minute Jozy Altidore took on and beat three Costa Rica defenders and found a wide open Conor Casey, except to see his effort fly high and wide.  It would have been a perfect start, because in the 9th minute the fans all held aloft #9 signs and banners they had created in honor and support of Davies.  Even the MLS game that night, some 2,000 miles away in Salt Lake City saw a Davies tribute from both the players and fans.  It was truly moving to see red, white, and blue smoke bombs coupled with all the signs. 

After falling behind 2-0 the US found a second gear but couldn't find a first goal, as Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore missed two golden opportunities a piece.  The second half saw Costa Rica come out in a defensive shell, giving the US most of the possession, but it seemed like the final pass always let them down.  Credit Bob Bradley for the substitutions, all three of which were offensively-minded.  Benny Feilhaber who wasn't his usual self as he was usually forced to pick the ball up deep in midfield, gave way to Jose Torres, who in his 30ish minutes, shined.  He spread the ball around nicely and showed his tremendous comfort with the ball at his feet.  His second substitution saw Robbie Rogers come in for Stuart Holden and it was this sub that would turn the game in favor of the yanks.  Robbie Rogers won the ball deep on the right flank and sent in a great cross which found Landon Donovan at the far post, who then cut inside his man and unleashed a shot towards goal, which Costa Rican keeper Kelor Navas did well to block, but the carom fell directly to the feet of Michael Bradley who slid in and powered the ball into the roof of the net.  Kenny Cooper was then brought on for the quiet Conor Casey.  Rogers nearly made a hero of himself in the 74th minute when he latched on to a through ball but sent his attempt wide.  Altidore forced his way past his defender in the 80th minute but sent his effort high and wide.  Then the US was gifted 5 minutes of stoppage time because of a ruckus on the sideline.  Costa Rica manager Rene Simoes and a member of his staff had to be escorted from the sidelines by security after a heated exchange with the forth official.  That was all the US would need to grab a point.   The US forced two corners in stoppage time and the second was the breakthrough.  Robbie Rogers cross fell straight on to the head of an unmarked Jonathan Bornstein who didn't make a mistake.  The draw meant that Costa Rica would finish fourth in the group and must now go into a playoff with Uruguay in a home and away series for the right to go to the World Cup, and Honduras would finish in third place.  By the way, check the youtube.com videos for the celebration in Honduras when they heard the news, I have a feeling that Jonathan Bornstein is quite the popular name down there at the moment. 

Player Ratings:

Tim Howard - 7 - Can't be faulted for either goal and made some solid saves throughout, including a point-blank rocket, quite possibly the best save of the year for Howard.

Steve Cherundolo - 6 - Was a solid change of pace on the right side.  As most of Costa Rica's attacks came down the opposite side, it gave Cherundolo the chance to get forward, and that he did well.  Steady in defense as always.

Oguchi Onyewu - 5 - Despite the torn left patella tendon in his left knee, this wasn't Onyewu's best outing.  Was beat on the Tico's first and was just a step slower throughout.

Carlos Bocanegra - 5.5 - Not the best from Carlos either, beaten for the second goal, though I think most any defender would've been.  His pitch leadership is what mattered most for the US though.

Jonathan Bornstein - 7 - Was picked on early but grew in confidence as the match went on.  Unafraid and undeterred and fearless are three words I'd use to describe this outing for JB.  His goal was a thing of beauty too.

Stuart Holden - 6 - Seemed somewhat overwhelmed throughout but offered his usual pace and good crossing.  Possessed on the right flank and linked up with Cherundolo well.

Michael Bradley - 7.5 - Was a solid presence in the interior throughout the match and was finally rewarded with his perseverance with a goal.

Benny Feilhaber - 5 - Had an off game in this one.  Forced to pick up balls to deep in midfield which nullifies his creativity in the attacking third.

Landon Donovan - 6.5 - Not the best we've seen from Donovan as we're usually accustomed to seeing him finish one of those three chances, but its the fact he put himself in the position to score that gets him this score.

Conor Casey - 5 - After his 9th minute chance he simply disappeared from the game.  Turned the ball over often and just wasn't the man we saw against Honduras.

Jozy Altidore - 7.5 - Altidore was the US' best player on the night, as he battled for his roommate and dear friend Charlie Davies.  But he missed on three separate opportunities and like Donovan, we've come to expect him to finish at least one.  His heart and desire however, was unmatched.

Jose Torres - 6.5 - His best game in a US uniform.  His passing was solid and his presence on the ball was sublime.  This performance merits more playing time.

Robbie Rogers - 6.5 - Provided the service that led to both US goals.  A definite surprise for me, as when I first saw Rogers come in I thought BB was throwing in the towel.  Merits more looks.

Kenny Cooper - NA - Came in for the ineffective Casey and gave Costa Rican defenders more to worry about but was mostly uninvolved.