United States 0 Costa Rica 1: Klinsmann’s men beaten again

The United States national team will be looking to bounce back from the weekend’s crushing CONCACAF Cup defeat when they face Costa Rica tonight in a friendly matchup at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

Tim Howard makes his first appearance for the United States since his record-breaking display at the World Cup last summer.

The loss was more bad news for the Jurgen Klinsmann and the US team, coming on the heels of Saturday’s 3-2 CONCACAF Cup loss to Mexico in Pasadena, California.

However, redemption proved elusive as Joel Campbell slotted home a go-ahead goal with his left foot in the 70th minute to give Costa Rica a 1-0 victory over the Red, White and Blue.

After their Confederations Cup play-off loss to Mexico on Saturday, Klinsmann was already under fire – and his team’s performance did nothing to ease the pressure.

Nick Rimando, DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi Clint Dempsey and Chris Wondolowski have been granted their release and have returned to their clubs.

Costa Rica had several earlier chances. He had no trouble crossing the ball to Campbell at the top of the box and the Costa Rican striker fired a 14-yard shot past Tim Howard.

Howard is in the starting lineup Tuesday night for an exhibition against Costa Rica, the last game for the Americans before the start of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

Campbell finally got on the scoresheet in the 72nd minute following another giveaway by the U.S. The Arsenal man took a pass from David Myrie in the center of the penalty area and hit it first time past Howard.

Costa Rica looked the more threatening and Campbell tested Howard with a long-range effort just before the hour-mark.

A break down the right led to a cutback and Venegas appeared certain to score, only for Brad Evans to produce a last-ditch block on the line.