Amazingly, the United States beat Costa Rica in its CONCACAF World Cup qualifier at Columbus Crew on Wednesday night.
Gregg Berhalter, the U.S. coach, made a significant change to his starting eleven after Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Panama. Zack Steffen was one of nine new additions to his team. This was in an effort to get three points against a more experienced Costa Rica team.
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Costa Rica's Keysher Fuller scored the first goal for the Americans, but the Americans were able to draw level in the 26th minute when Sergino Det hit a stunning shot from far away to defeat Keylor Navas.
Dest stated, "I was like I must shoot it." It was a goal that I needed. It was an important goal. We are now on the right track."
After conceding early, the home team continued to pile on pressure. However, Costa Rica didn't go away. Half-time was approaching when Costa Rica saw a penalty called off. Chris Richards appeared in an area to trip up Johan Venegas after a poor giveaway from the U.S. defense.
After the hour mark, the U.S. took the lead thanks to a Costa Rican own goal. Timothy Weah's shot from a tight angle was redirected off the post by Leonel Moreira, who replaced Navas. The ball then trickled into the net.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Navas was injured in the right adductor muscle. Moreira replaced him at half-time.
After taking the lead, the U.S. made Costa Rica work hard and had several close chances. Finally, the win was enough to give the U.S. 11 points in six matches. This is the U.S.'s bid to qualify for 2022 World Cup Qatar.
These three points were all the more remarkable considering that the Americans had their youngest ever World Cup qualifier team, with a combined average age of 22 years and 229 days
Next up for Berhalter (and the Americans) is an Octagonal match against Mexico, Nov. 12, in Cincinnati. You can watch it live on ESPN2 at 9 :10 p.m. ET Four days later, the U.S. will be in Jamaica.
The U.S. will travel to Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica during its six remaining matches.
