USMNT vs Costa Rica: Stars and Stripes begin Gold Cup preparations with friendly on June 9th

Topics: TV Schedules, USMNT, Costa Rica, International Friendlies

After winning the CONCACAF Nations League, the USMNT will turn their attention towards preparing for the CONCACAF Gold Cup as they take on Costa Rica in a friendly.

Preview: USMNT vs Costa Rica

Fresh off a hard fought 3-2 win over Mexico in a thrilling CONCACAF Nations League final, the USMNT will now begin their preparations for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in earnest. Gregg Berhalter's men slogged through a grueling 120 minutes of football against their biggest rivals in the region, with Christian Pulisic's late, late goal eventually proving to the the deciding factor. It was a game that kept fans on their toes, with pitch invaders, brawls, and penalties, a tie that was totally fitting of an intense clash between two of North America's powerhouses.

Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie were also on the scoresheet for the USMNT during the thrilling finale.

However, it did take a lot out of the Stars and Stripes, which means that this friendly could see Berhalter rotate his squad somewhat to give some fringe players a bit of game-time and keep his stars fighting fit.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica will be desperate to shake off a bad patch of form. Los Ticos also faced Mexico, but fell on spot kicks in the semi-finals. They then took on Honduras in the third-placed match but were also beaten on penalties as well after the game couldn't be decided in regular time following a 2-2 draw.