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Lletget, Arriola score late to lift USA over Costa Rica
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 3, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Reserve Sebastian Lletget scored
and set up Paul Arriola’s late clincher to power the United States over Costa
Rica 2-0 in an international football friendly Saturday.
Lletget scored on a header in the 80th minute and flicked a breakout pass
to set up Arriola in the 88th as the Americans improved to 2-0 under new
coach Gregg Berhalter six days after delivering a win over Panama in his
debut.
“In the second half the guys rose to the challenge — much more offensive,
much more bravery. It was a good win for us,” Berhalter said.
“You can see how the guys are working together. From a competing
standpoint, these guys are animals. You could see how they were going for
it.”
In rainy, windy conditions in San Jose, California, the US squad spoiled
the debut of Argentine-born former Uruguay international Gustavo Matosas as
coach of the Ticos.
Nick Lima struck the far post in the 54th minute and Gyasi Zardes nodded a
header over the crossbar in the 69th as the US side kept the pressure on
Costa Rica.
It paid off 10 minutes from full time as Wil Trapp lofted a high pass to
the left side for Jonathan Lewis, who sent a left-footed centering blast to
the far post.
That’s where Lletget awaited to nod the ball downward and watch it bounce
into the far side netting, his second goal in seven caps.
“We’ve been working on his crossing and my heading all camp so it really is
a special moment for me,” Lletget said.
In the 88th, Lletget sent a pass ahead to Arriola, who lifted a right foot
chip shot over onrushing Costa Rica goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado to score the
clincher.
“He wants me to make an impact immediately,” Lletget said of Berhalter. “He
wanted me to be creative immediately and thankfully today it came out.”
– ‘This is a great start’ –
The win was especially pleasing to Lletget, a 26-year-old Los Angeles
Galaxy midfielder who suffered a foot injury in the same stadium in a 6-0
World Cup qualifying win over Honduras in March 2017 and was only recalled to
the US squad last October.
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially after what happened two years ago here
when I got injured and they put me away for a year,” Lletget said.
The Americans, rebuilding after failing to reach last year’s World Cup in
Russia, next face Ecuador on March 21 at Orlando and Chile five days later in
Houston as they prepare for the North American Gold Cup in June and July and
2022 World Cup qualifying.
“This team has a lot going for it,” Lletget said. “(Berhalter) has done a
great job so far. The detail he puts into this team — I’ve learned so much
at this camp. Going forward I think it’s only going to get better.
“It’s going to be a growing process. There’s a long way to go — the goal
is 2022. Something special is growing within all of us.”
The March friendlies will give Berhalter his first look at European-based
talent.
“I’m sure he can’t wait to get the whole squad here,” Lletget said. “But
this is a great start.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/0923 hrs