USMNT Finally Exceeded Expectations in 4-Nil Drubbing of Costa Rica

In a must not-lose game for the US men's national team, the squad delivered a refreshingly good performance against World Cup quarter finalist Costa Rica. The US looked shaky early on, especially when Joel Campbell was a few feet wide of capitalizing on a sloppy turnover in the US end, but eventually settled down. Clint Dempsey's ninth ninth minute penalty conversion eased the Americans' tension and allowed them to play looser, more free flowing soccer. A rarity in recent months for the US. Most impressive was the US counter attack and ability to finish when in on goal. If the US can maintain a similar level level of intensity and precision on the counter for the rest of the tournament, I like their chances against most teams. Consistent offense has been hard to come by recently and I'm hoping that a 4-rock thumping against a very solid Costa Rica squad is just the boost in confidence this team needs to make a run in the Copa. Also encouraging was the balanced scoring by the Americans. It was nice to see Jermaine Jones's hard work pay off, and a struggling Bobby Wood deliver a great strike before substitute Graham Zusi found the back of the net. If more players continue to step up and contribute to the score sheet, we may be looking at a rejuvenated US squad.