The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) achieved a commendable 3-0 victory against Costa Rica during their friendly match on January 22, 2025. The exciting game took place at Inter&Co Stadium in sunny Orlando, Florida, marking a successful conclusion to the team’s January camp under the guidance of coach Mauricio Pochettino. This match allowed the coaching staff to evaluate several promising players as they prepare for upcoming competitions.
ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2025)
At the heart of the match was Brian White, who opened the scoring with his first-ever goal for the USMNT in the 21st minute. Thanks to a brilliant assist from Diego Luna, White’s goal set the tone for the game. Luna showed exceptional resilience as he played on even with a broken nose, earning praise for his strong character from Coach Pochettino.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN
- 21st minute: Brian White scores his first USMNT goal.
- 77th minute: Caden Clark extends the lead with a well-placed strike.
- 90th minute: Patrick Agyemang seals the victory with a final goal.
-U.S. MEN’s National Team Match Report-
Besides the goals, this match showcased strong performances from the entire team. Zack Steffen not only returned to the starting lineup but also made three crucial saves, marking his first cap since March 2022. His solid performance earned him the Michelob Ultra Man of the Match award. Fans were thrilled to see 13,580 supporters present, cheering on their team as the USMNT demonstrated a growing sense of success and competitive spirit.
Match: United States Men’s National Team vs. Costa Rica
Lineups:
Both teams featured a mix of experienced players and promising talents. Eight players debuted for the USMNT during this January camp, highlighting the team’s depth and future potential. Pochettino has emphasized the importance of evaluating all players, indicating that everyone is a vital part of the team as they prepare for more challenging matches ahead.
Stats Summary: USA / CRC
Category | USMNT | Costa Rica |
---|---|---|
Goals | 3 | 0 |
Shots on Target | 8 | 3 |
Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
Misconduct Summary:
The match featured five yellow cards, with USMNT players receiving three of them, which certainly affected the rhythm of the game in the second half. Despite the cautions, the team maintained their composure and continued to push for scoring opportunities.
Officials:
Leading the match was a seasoned team of referees, ensuring that play was fair and within the rules of soccer. Their presence added to the game’s excitement, allowing the players to focus on showcasing their skills on the field.
Michelob Ultra Man of the Match: Zack Steffen
Steffen’s return to the national team was celebrated not just for his saves but also for his leadership on the pitch. His experience helped guide the younger players and foster teamwork throughout the match, reflecting the bright future of the USMNT.
The strong performance against Costa Rica followed a previous 3-1 victory over Venezuela, demonstrating the team’s improving form as they head into a crucial period of competitions. With the Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Panama approaching in March, fans are eager to see how the USMNT will build on this momentum and continue to grow as a formidable squad on the international stage.
