USA Vs. Costa Rica, 2011 International Friendly: Ticos Win 1-0 As USMNT Perform Poorly

Maybe I’m reading too much into the reaction in certain social media circles, but Friday’s loss really seems to have come as a bit of a stomach punch. Sure, the U.S. was heavily favored, but let’s keep in mind that this was friendly.

More than the fact that this was a meaningless game, is the reality that Klinsmann has more important things to worry about than results at this very moment. Klinsmann has stated that he wants to change the culture of U.S. soccer. He wants to embrace more of a Latin influence; to encourage quick passing and a fast-moving offense; to aim for a higher goal that continental supremacy.

Maybe Klinsmann is guilty of hubris, but this is what he was brought in to do. It’s fair to say that a team coached by Bradley probably could have gotten a better result against Costa Rica -- although it’s worth noting that Bradley’s teams had gone winless against Los Ticos in their past five meetings. -- but what would that have proved? We know the U.S. is capable of being the best team in CONCACAF, but clearly that was not enough for Bradley to keep his job.

The USA’s best chance so far came in the 6th minute, though some great combination play between those three players. Shea played a great ball into space for Donovan just outside of the 18 yard box, but Donovan missed an open shot from just inside the area just wide. It was a poor finish that Donovan should have done better with, but it was a very encouraging move for the United States.

Kickoff of the game is at 11:20 pm ET from the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Follow along with us at SB Nation throughout the game in this StoryStream.

Lineup: Navas; Johnson, Umaña, Acosta, Miller; Barrantes, Azofeifa, Sanchez, Martinez, Saborio, Brenes

United States vs. Costa Rica, international friendly

Time: 11:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm PT (local)

In a torrential downpour at the decrepit, yet boisterous RFK Stadium, Costa Rica came out flying. The Ticos played with the urgency you would expect from a team whose World Cup lives were on the line, while the Americans looked every bit like a team with nothing to play for.

After 20 minutes, Costa Rica grabbed the lead through their star Bryan Ruiz. He put the Ticos in front with a goal and a mere three minutes later, they doubled that lead. With control of the match, something to play for and now a two-goal lead, it looked like the Ticos were well on their way to three points and the World Cup.

In all, there wasn’t a whole lot that we learned for chapter one of the Jurgen Klinsmann era. The two upcoming friendlies will do a lot more to establish what kind of team Klinsmann is building. Besides the training camp preceding the matches, Klinsmann will get the time to put together a game plan. He’ll be able to create competition and has had a month to scout players to play the type of style he wants.

With the Ticos short on players, the U.S. should not have an overly difficult time coming away with a win. The defense shouldn’t be tested much and they will have enough time on the ball that they will have ample opportunity to create chances. The question is whether or not this Klinsmann-led team can show they are better than the Bob Bradley-led teams that had been struggling in these types of matches. That will be step one for Klinsmann as he continues to try and push the U.S. to new heights and he can take that step on Friday evening..