Gregg Berhalter continued his perfect start as the manager of the US men’s national team, as his side beat Costa Rica 2-0 in San Jose on Saturday afternoon. Sebastian Lletget, who nearly two years ago suffered a long term foot injury in a World Cup Qualifier against Honduras in the same Avaya Stadium, came on as a substitute in the second half to head home a winner in the 80th minute.
D.C. United’s Paul Arriola, who was given a start and played the entire game in earning his 19th cap, finished off a strong second half with a goal in the 88th minute, his third for the men’s senior team. The win gave Berhalter two wins from two games, just the third manager for the men’s senior side to accomplish that feat.
Go on, @PaulArriola. ? #USAvCRC pic.twitter.com/EuAlVYAYld
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 2, 2019
Arriola’s club teammate Russell Canouse was not part of the matchday squad, one of three players omitted by Berhalter for the day. Canouse, who was on the bench but did not play in Sunday’s win over Panama, is still looking for his first cap with the senior national team. He was also a part of last year’s January camp, but left with an injury before getting a chance to play.
Joseph Mora, who earned his first two caps last fall after a strong showing with United’s first team, played 13 minutes on Saturday against the US. Mora, who featured only as a left back for United, was given a more advanced role in his cameo against the USMNT, playing as a left midfielder.
After a fairly even first half, in which neither team did much to threaten for a goal, the US came out the stronger side after the break. Arriola played a big part in the US’ success, getting down the left flank on several occasions to set up teammates. Cristian Roldan and Djorde Milaihovic both missed the targets from Arriola crosses, and a third delivery was just behind a run from Lletget.
Lletget wouldn’t be denied though, scoring a header in the 80th minute, on the same end he scored against Honduras back in 2017. Fellow substitute Jonathan Lewis, who had an assist against Panama, got into the box, and lofted a ball to the back post, where Lletget won a header, sending the ball back across goal for his second international goal.
It's been a long road back for @SLletget.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 2, 2019
Now he's got the game-winner. #USAvCRC pic.twitter.com/UCu5wrISNa
That goal likely would have been enough, but Arriola got a just reward for his efforts in the 88th minute. A goal kick from Zack Steffen was headed on by Christian Ramirez in midfield, and Lletget flicked the ball into space. Arriola, using his speed, beat keeper Esteban Alvarado to the ball in the box, and lofted the ball in to secure the final scoreline.