Costa Rica’s “La Sele” and the USMNT offered an exciting elimination game this Friday at the Red Bull Arena in Newark, New Jersey, and it was Costa Rica that came out victorious with a 2-0 score over the United States.

Costa Rica came out pressing from the first whistle, and the United States appealed to their speed.

The first goal came from a perfect pass by Bryan Ruiz to striker Marco Ureña who opened the score at minute 29’.

The USMNT tried to even the score but had trouble dealing with a solid Costa Rican defense, the first 45 minutes concluded with Costa Rica up 1-0.

The second half came around and Costa Rica continued to dominate the game, playing like a well-oiled machine, one we hadn’t seen in the last few games.

The United States had a few opportunities, one particularly clear at minute 66’ when after a free throw by Dempsey, Pulisic shot, but the impeccable intervention of goalkeeper Keylor Navas saved the Ticos.

Several aggressive plays took place by both teams. The continuous pressure created by La Sele took the United States out of its rhythm and caused them to play a very disorganized game.

Navas was forced to intervene again at minute 80’ this time to prevent Jozy Altidore from scoring; immediately after this play, Marco Ureña took a pass from David Guzmán and managed to score the second goal for Costa Rica.

Great teamwork combined with a USMNT that made mistakes they don’t usually make, gave Costa Rica a well-deserved victory, Costa Rica had not won a hex match on American soil since the format was implemented in 1998.

This is the first loss suffered by the USMNT since Bruce Arena took over as head coach.

“La Sele” gave a huge gift to the large Tico community that lives in New Jersey.

This win brings Costa Rica to 14 points (same as Mexico) and the temporary first position of the group (pending the Mexico-Panama match result), and just a step away from classifying to the Russia World Cup 2018. The USMNT stays in third place with 8 points.

Costa Rica will face Mexico in Costa Rica next September 5th, while the United States will have to face Honduras.