Once again it was an ugly first half for the USMNT. When you go into Costa Rica you know the conditions aren’t going to be great, and though this isn’t the old Saprissa Stadium, the field conditions left a lot to be desired.
Players were slipping left and right in the first half for the United States but that was far from their only problem. The defense looked lazy and were under constant pressure thanks to Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones failing to establish presence in the middle of the park.
It did look as though the US would escape the first half level with Costa Rica, all they had to do was give a little bit of effort and play out the final minutes. That seemed to be too much to ask as several US defenders got lazy (including Timmy Chandler not even being back on defense) and Costa Rica finally took advantage.
Venegas gets his noggin on a Bolaños' cross to put @FEDEFUTBOL_CR in front before the break. #beINCONCACAF https://t.co/S8dCMkkJA3
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) November 16, 2016
