US v Costa Rica Scouting Report

US v Costa Rica
6.3.09
Estadio Ricardo Saprissa - San Jose, Costa Rica

The United States faces a stern challenge on Wednesday night in San Jose, Costa Rica. Unlike the Earthquakes, this team holds a fantastic home record in competitive matches, and no visiting team will be assured of three points here. The US is 0-6-1 facing Costa Rica away, and will be looking to avenge their 3-0 drubbing in the corresponding fixture last time out. The monsoon rain climate in the middle of their rainy season, in combination with crappy Astroturf will create an unusual obstacle for our boys, not to mention the insane atmosphere with the fans just a few feet off each endline. Boca and company have their work cut out for them.

Costa Rica a few notable players to look out for. The always-aging Walter Centeno has been impressive in years past, but does he still have that flare? Freddy Fernandez has also put some quality performances in for the Ticos alongside Centeno. Andy Furtado has scored 2 goals thus far in qualifying. Young talents Brian Ruiz and Celso Borges shouldn't pose too much of a problem for the US, but then again neither should El Salvador.

On the other side, Bob Bradley faces some of the most difficult selection challenges he has been presented with since being named boss in 2007. Some of the US squad is nearing fitness, and with many players arriving in the camp late, it will be a difficult deed to name his team. In fact, 5 key players are carrying yellow cards into this game; Onyewu, Hejduk, Dempey, Altidore, and Bradley will all be looking to avoid another booking which will bench them for Saturday's encounter with Honduras in Chicago. Hejduk is ruled out and Altidore is coming off a toe surgery that could limit his contribution.

Team Sheet:
GK: Guzan, Howard
DEF: Bocanegra, Bornstein, Califf, DeMerit, Onyewu, Pearce, Spector, Wynne
MID: Adu, Beasley, Bradley, Clark, Feilhaber, Mastroeni, Kljestan, Torres
FOR: Altidore, Ching, Davies, Dempsey, Donovan, Johnson

American fans will surely be feeling a sense of anxiety before this fixture. Much like El Salvador and Guatemala, the stadium will contain tense surroundings. Many fans would be happy with a point from this game, considering the circumstances . Although they are ranked 41st currently in FIFA rankings(26 behind the US), they are clearly a huge test for any team at home. Hopefully the distraction of Peter Nowak leaving his post as assistant coach will not affect this game. Really Pete? Just couldn't put off that Philly job for one more week?

Whatever the result, whoever plays, we love any man who puts on that jersey. Aside from the drunken comments made by an anonymous AO podcaster (Chris Donahoo of Overland Park, KS), we love this team with everything we have. Grab your beers, smuggle your champagne into your watch parties, and prepare your taxi rides home, for this will surely be a nerve-racking evening.

COME ON YOU F'in YANKS

Scouting Report is written by Chris Donahoo, if you have any questions or feedback contact him at chris@theamericanoutlaws.com.