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USMNT Vs Costa Rica: 3 things we learned – Welcome, Ulysses Llanez

By Adnan Bašić

CARSON, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Ulysses Llanez #19 of the United States shows his love to the fans after scoring a goal against Costa Rica at Dignity Health Sports Park on February 1, 2020 in Carson, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Ulysses Llanez #19 of the United States shows his love to the fans after scoring a goal against Costa Rica at Dignity Health Sports Park on February 1, 2020 in Carson, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – FEBRUARY 1: U.S. National Team Coach Bob Bradley during the international friendly match between the United States and Costa Rica at the Dignity Health Sports Park on February 1, 2020 in Carson, California. The United States won the match 1-0. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – FEBRUARY 1: U.S. National Team Coach Bob Bradley during the international friendly match between the United States and Costa Rica at the Dignity Health Sports Park on February 1, 2020 in Carson, California. The United States won the match 1-0. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

2. Getting the job done

It wasn’t pretty, but the USMNT were able to start this year off on the right foot, winning their opening contest of 2020.

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Even the most optimistic of fans knew this was going to be a tough game considering it was just a January camp friendly. Without their best players available, the U.S. had to turn to their domestic talents, who managed to deliver on the afternoon.

FC Dallas right-back Reggie Cannon was many people’s Man of the Match as he flew up and down the field all game to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Jesus Ferrerira, his teammate at club level was now his teammate internationally as well, the FC Dallas youngster handed the chance to lead the line versus Costa Rica. He showed glimpses of his potential on occasions but was eventually subbed off at the hour mark for Gyasi Zardes.

Sam Vines also did well, making his case to be the team’s go-to left-back for future matches. The U.S. don’t have the best depth at that position so the Colorado Rapids product should certainly get more looks as the year goes on. He was very solid, helping the team keep a clean sheet on the afternoon.

The victory didn’t take all the pressure off head coach Gregg Berhalter, but it was nice to see the USMNT start the new year off with a win versus one of their continental rivals.

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