On Day 2 of the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic, the U-23 Men’s National Team of Costa Rica faced the Columbus Crew of the United States Major League Soccer (MLS), and lost by two goals to nothing. The Ticos are not looking good in this invitational tournament, which takes place at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, a Southwest Florida city that enjoys a strong football culture.

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic Tournament features an interesting combination of professional and semi-pro football clubs and teams from around the world. The only national team in the current tournament is Costa Rica’s U-23, and there are clubs from Canada, Denmark and from the United Soccer Leagues. Here is the official press release from IMG on our country’s second match at the tournament:

Columbus Crew SC vs. Costa Rica U23 Men’s National Team, Group B – Game 3

After blasting the London United on the first day, MLS side Columbus Crew SC looked to pick up where they left off against the Costa Rica U23 Men’s National Team. Not long into the match, the Ticos came under fire with a quick pair of goals in as many minutes early in the first half. Kai Kamara netted his third goal of the tournament, a header, from Waylon Francis (16’). Two minutes later, Federico Higuain scored from Ethan Finley for what would be the final score of the match as Columbus cruised to a 2-0 victory. The Union will face off against Crew SC on Wednesday to determine the victor of Group B.

It is interesting to note that the assist of the first goal against the Ticos came from a player from Costa Rica contracted by an MLS club. Although the U-23 team is managed by coach Paulo Wanchope, who also manages the successful National Men’s Team of Costa Rica, the current performance of the team is a concern among football fans in Costa Rica. After all, this is the team that will compete in the Rio Summer Olympic Games next year.