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USA def. Costa Rica 4-0: Full highlights, final score and more

By Mike Dyce

Jun 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; United States midfielder Clint Dempsey (8) reacts after scoring a goal against Costa Rica in the first half during the group play stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; United States midfielder Clint Dempsey (8) reacts after scoring a goal against Costa Rica in the first half during the group play stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here are all the highlights from the Copa America clash between the United States men’s national team and Costa Rica.

The United States headed to Soldier Field in Chicago for their second game of the Copa America tournament group stage. They were looking for a win after an 0-2 defeat at the hands of the Colombia in the opener, the third ranked team in the world.

They came into this game like a team possessed to turn around their fortunes after the disappointing opener. They were pushing forward and getting chances early, but more importantly converting and scoring goals. Before the end of the first half the United States had a comfortable lead and improved their goal differential situation.

The second half saw the United States on a bit more of cruise control. There were chances still, including a beautiful one set up by excellent ball movement from Jermaine Jones in the 74th minute, but the goals weren’t flowing quite like before. They did add a fourth goal to push their goal differential from 2 to -2.

Three stars

  1. Bobby Wood, F, USA – Got an early look in the game but took too long of a touch to convert a great opportunity. Drew the penalty a few minutes later which resulted in the United States getting their first goal. Scored in the 42nd minute to extend lead to 3-0, moving the USMNT to the right side of zero in goal differential.
  2. Clint Dempsey, F, USA – Took the penalty Bobby Wood earned and converted to give the USMNT their first lead in the tournament. Later, helped create the chance that resulted in Jermaine Jones’ goal.
  3. Graham Zusi, MF, USA – A second half substitution who scored to extend the lead despite his brief tenure on the field

Highlights

Costa Rica’s shoved Booby Wood in the box on the corner of the six-yard box, giving the Americans a penalty. Star forward Clint Dempsey stepped to the spot and put it in the lower right corner to give the Americans the lead, and their first goal of the tournament.

Jermaine Jones added a goal just inside of 30 minutes later to extend the American’s lead in the game, but more importantly bringing the goal differential in the table back to zero. It was a beautiful strike after Clint Dempsey failed to get a shot off, coming from outside the box to the far post and sneaking past the keeper.

Then in the 42nd minute, Wood got another opportunity. Receiving the ball with his back turned to the goal, creating space, spinning off a defender and putting his foot through the ball.

"Bobby Wood spins, turns and fires home to put the #USMNT 3-0 up on Costa Rica. #USAvCRC #MyCopaColors https://t.co/j25zsUG9fP— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016"

Graham Zusi was substituted on in the second half for Bobby Wood, who had been playing tremendously. He rewarded Jurgen Klinsmann’s faith with a late goal in the half to extend the lead.

"Graham Zusi makes it 4-0, #USMNT late on. #USAvCRC #MyCopaColors https://t.co/pfihjTNFRD— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016"

Three Takeaways

  1. The United States can dominate lesser teams, which will get them so for in this tournament but not into serious contention for a Final.
  2. John Brooks is morphing into a strong defender and beginning to realize his potential.
  3. Hope of advancing out of the group stage has been restored, and fears temporarily forgotten.

Next Game

Each team has one game left in the Copa America schedule to try and advance out of the Group Stage. The United States close the round on Saturday, June 11th against Panama at Lincoln Financial Field.

Costa Rica closes the round later that day against Colombia.

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