WASHINGTON: Costa Rica played the United States women's national team to a goalless draw on Tuesday in the American women's warm-up before flying to the Paris Olympics.
U.S. captain Lindsey Horan told a crowd of nearly 19,000 that they were not daunted by their chances in France despite the draw.
“We wish we could win,” she said. “But we're going to go out there and do what's in the Olympics.” This team is amazing. We're going to represent this country so well and we're going to do everything we can to win the gold medal.”
Costa Rica goalkeeper Noelia Bermudez and a swarming defensive effort thwarted a patient USA team to earn the Ticas a draw after losing their first 17 games against the Americans.
The Americans outshot Costa Rica 26-2, forcing 12 saves from Bermudez and winning all 16 corner kicks in the game.
“It takes a lot of patience to play against a low block. Costa Rica did really well,” said American midfielder Sophia Smith. “It was definitely challenging for us, but it was a good test because that's what we'll be facing at the Olympics.
“I know we can create chances. Tonight we created I don't even know how many chances. It's getting one in the back of the net, no matter what it looks like. It will come.”
While it was disappointing for new coach Emma Hayes and her U.S. team against a defensive-minded team, it showed the Americans what they have to do before they play for gold next week in France.
“That was the big message from Emma at the end of the game – don't get frustrated,” Smith said. “We wanted a result from it, but these matches are preparation for something bigger.
“We need to peak when we need to peak, and that's at the start of the Olympics. We are calm about it. We are not frustrated. We trust the process. We know things will go the way we need them to.”
The U.S. women begin Olympic Group B play on July 25 against Zambia in Nice and will also face Germany and Australia in groups in Marseille.
“I think it's going to be awesome,” Smith said. “I'm so excited to go with this group. I'm excited to see it take off in France. This group has a lot of potential and good things in store.”
The United States has won four Olympic women's soccer titles — in 1996 on home soil and three in a row in 2004, 2008 and 2012.
American midfielder Rose Lavelle, who helped win the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, was late in the match due to leg cramps. Korbin Albert replaced her in the US starting lineup.
The Americans have three wins and a draw without conceding a goal under Englishman Hayes.
“I think we've made good, nice progress,” Hayes said. “When you take over a team and have to implement a lot, they've adapted really well to those ideas.
“We're going into the Olympics with an idea of what we want to do in most of our moments, but now we're starting to add some adjustments.”
Smith and Mallory Swanson were both denied on Bermudez's early chances, while Trinity Rodman was offside on the USA's next opportunity.
Bermudez and Rodman collided when the goalkeeper denied Horan in the 24th minute. Bermudez also collected Horan's header in the 40th minute and thwarted Smith shortly before half-time.
Bermudez palmed away a Smith chance in the 49th minute and saved Horan's shot in the 50th minute to keep Las Ticas level.
Horan found the net in the 55th minute only to raise the offside flag.
Bermudez deflected Rodman's cross in overtime and Horan nodded over the crossbar in the final seconds.
