The After Bar: Costa Rica 3 – USMNT 1

Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed

Whelp. That one stung. The United States men's national team, looking for their first win ever in Costa Rica walked away empty handed, temporarily setting back the finalization of their World Cup qualifying. The Nats dropped an ugly one, 3-1, in San Jose.

Michael Bradley went off injured in pre-game training and the USMNT looked listless the entire match giving up two goals in the opening ten minutes. Captain Clint Dempsey's 100th cap and 43rd minute penalty kick goal was the lone bright spot in a wet, revenge-filled away match for the Ticos. Having Landon Donovan back in the starting 11 couldn't save the U.S.'s winnning streak either.

Next up, Mexico in “Dos a Cero-ville”, Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday.

Highlights:

Analysis from some of American soccer's best writers:

The Shin Guardian – “Costa Rica 3 – USA 1: Quick Thoughts”

Grant Wahl (Sports Illustrated) – “Three thoughts on the U.S.'s World Cup qualifier loss to Costa Rica”

Matthew Doyle (MLSSoccer.com) – “Armchair Analyst: Three things we learned from a trip down Springfield Gorge”

Kyle Bonn (NBC Pro Soccer Talk) – “Three things we learned from USMNT 3-1 loss at Costa Rica”

Noah David (American Soccer Now) – “Lost Without Bradley, U.S. Falls to Costa Rica, 3-1”

Player Grades/ Ratings:

Jeff Carlisle (ESPN)

Greg Selzter (MLSSoccer.com)

Brian Sciaretta (New York Times)