WASHINGTON: Costa Rica played the United States national team to a goalless score on Tuesday in the Americans' warm-up before leaving for the Paris Olympics.
USA captain Lindsey Horan told the nearly 19,000 crowd that they are not down about their chances in France despite the draw.
“We want to get the win,” he said. “But we're going to go out and do what we do in the Olympics. This team is amazing. We will represent this country well and do everything possible to win a gold medal.”
Costa Rica goalkeeper Noelia Bermudez and her strong defensive effort frustrated an ailing United States team to earn the Ticas a point after losing their first 17 games against the Americans.
The U.S. women beat Costa Rica 26-2, with Bermudez making 12 saves and winning all 16 corners in the game.
“It takes a lot of patience to play with low hurdles. Costa Rica did well,” said American soccer player Sophia Smith. “It's very difficult for us but it's a good test because we will face it in the Olympics.
“I know we can create chances. We created I don't know how many chances tonight. It gets one in the back of the net, no matter what. It will come.”
Although the team's defense was a disappointment for new coach Emma Hayes and her American team, it showed the Americans what they need to do before they start playing for gold next week in France.
“It was a big message from Emma at the end of the game – don't give up,” Smith said. “We wanted a result from this one but these games are preparation for something bigger.
“We need to step up when we need to and that is at the start of the Olympics. We are calm about it. We did not give up. We trust the process. We know that things will go our way when we need them to. “
The U.S. women begin Olympic play in Group B on July 25 against Zambia in Nice and will also face Germany and Australia in group play in Marseille.
“I think it's going to be amazing,” Smith said. “I am very happy to be with this group. I am very excited to get the ball rolling in France. This group has many useful and good things to post. “
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 lead France to the 2019 Women's World Cup, missed the game with a leg strain. Korbin Albert replaced him in the US starting lineup.
The Americans managed three wins and a draw but did not give up under Hayes in England.
“I think we've made good, good progress,” Hayes said. “When you take a team and you have to implement a lot of things, they've been very consistent with these ideas.
“We're going into the Olympics with an idea of what we want to do most of the time, but now we're starting to add some alignment.”
Smith and Mallory Swanson were both rejected by Bermudez at the first opportunity while Trinity Rodman failed in another American opportunity.
Bermudez and Rodman collided after Horan was denied by the keeper in the 24th minute. Bermudez also got a header from Horan in the 40th minute and stopped Smith just before halftime.
Bermudez beat Smith in the 49th minute and deflected Horan's kick in the 50th to keep Las Ticas level.
Horan found the net in the 55th minute before the flag was raised.
Bermudez deflected a pass from Rodman in overtime and Horan headed it over the bar in the final seconds.
