Photo Credit: Fedefutbol

Honduras played better, but Costa Rica scored the only goal in the game, and with this it took its first victory in the Gold Cup 2017.

Suffering more than it should have, considering that man for man it has a better team, Costa Rica’s male national soccer team “La Sele” was able to get by with a goal by striker Marco Ureña at minute 39’ of the match held in New Jersey.

Honduras attacked from the first minute and created more opportunities to score than Costa Rica, however, they were unable to capitalize, one of those times, their attempt was frustrated by Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton who had a very good game; but other failed attempts simply didn’t come through due to errors in their part.

Costa Rica only had two direct chances to score, one of which was effective, a great pass by Rodney Wallace to a Marco Ureña that was in the right place at the right time and knew exactly what he needed to do.

During the first 45 minutes Costa Rica seemed disorganized and the speed of the Honduras team was certainly giving the “ticos” their fair amount of trouble.

The second half showed a more confident Costa Rican team, better positioned and more in control of the game

Jorge Luis Pinto, Honduras’ head coach said during the press conference that he was satisfied with the work done by his team, and with the game in general, he only regretted not having been able to score.

In the other game held today in the first day of the Gold Cup, Canada took a 4-2 win over French Guiana.

Costa Rica and Canada will face off next Tuesday, July 11.

The USAMNT will face Panama this Saturday, July 8.