Costa Rica has never defeated the United States in the Gold Cup and these two teams will be facing off tonight at 9:00 p.m at AT&T Stadium.
Both FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta and defender Matt Hedges have already seen several minutes on the field. Jesse Gonzalez who recently joined team USA has been training with the United States waiting for an opportunity to see some minutes on the field. The FC Dallas goalkeeper says he likes what he has seen so far after making that tough decision to switch to the U.S. national team. “I think it is the team, the atmosphere they have, it is very united and it is something that truly surprised me, this team has great things coming”, said Gonzalez.
FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta and defender Matt Hedges were mentioned in the press conference as well as the defensive struggles that the United States has been having.
After the addition of six players Bruce Arenas expectations for the team is for them to be physically and mentally ready for the match against Costa Rica. "If there is any problem with the team is that we have not played together but no, that happens with each team”, said Arena while discussing the challenges that the team will have.
While Kellyn Acosta (3 caps) and Matt Hedges (2 caps) have already seen minutes on the field Bruce says he knows they are still young and need international experience which is all a part of the sport. "I dont think he is struggling he’s just learning International soccer, I think he is learning but overall he has done fine”, Arena said of Matt Hedges. Meanwhile when bringing up Kellyn Acosta Bruce says “like Hedges, Kellyn has little international experience but has a very good future."
Despite this, Costa Rica's head Coach Oscar Ramirez says he recognizes that it is a new era for the United States. "The team looks more comfortable with Bruce, it has regained their level, the team looks calmer and has been adding several points." Meanwhile, he recognizes he is facing a tough team such as the United States and has several key players injured.
"We have come from less to more, at the start costs us a little but we recover and imporove. Bruce Arena has done a great job. We already know that the United States is a strong team and can recover as soon as they recognize they have the opponent on their danger zone. As far as our players, we all have those flourisihing players and we take advantage”, added Ramirez.
Saturday's duel will be the seventh clash between the two teams in a Gold Cup competition. The United States dominates with a five-game winning streak, including the one in the 2002 final (2-0).
