WASHINGTON: Costa Rica played the US women's national team to a goalless draw on Tuesday in the Americans' pre-departure match for the Paris Olympics.
USA captain Lindsey Horan told a crowd of almost 19,000 that they were bullish about their chances in France despite the draw.
“We wish we had won,” she said. “But we're going to go out there and do our thing in the Olympics. This team is amazing. We're going to represent this country so well and we're going to do everything to bring back a gold medal.”
Costa Rica goalkeeper Noelia Bermudez and a swarming defensive effort frustrated a patient U.S. squad to earn the Ticas a tie after losses in their first 17 games against the Americans.
The U.S. women outshot Costa Rica 26-2, forcing 12 saves from Bermudez and taking all 16 corners 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 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 on the back of the net, no matter what it looks like. It will.”
While it was a disappointment against a defensive-minded squad 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.
“That was a big message from Emma at the end of the game – don't get frustrated,” Smith said. “We wanted a result from this but these games are preparation for something bigger.
“We have to peak when we need to peak and that's at the start of the Olympics. We're calm about it. We're not frustrated. We trust the process. We know things will go our way when we need them. “
The U.S. women begin Olympic play in Group B on July 25 against Zambia in Nice and also face Germany and Australia in group games in Marseille.
“I think it's going to be great,” Smith said. “I'm so excited to join this group. I'm excited to get the ball rolling in France. This group has a lot of potential and great things in store.”
The United States has won four Olympic titles in women's soccer — 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 a late scratch from the match due to leg tightness. Korbin Albert replaced her in the US starting lineup.
The Americans have three wins and a draw without giving up a goal under England's Hayes.
“I think we've made good, nice progress,” Hayes said. “When you take over a team and you have to implement a lot, they've adapted to those ideas really well.
“We go into the Olympics with an idea of what we look like doing most of our moments, but now we're starting to add some customizations.”
Smith and Mallory Swanson were each denied early chances by Bermudez while Trinity Rodman was offside on another USA opportunity.
Bermudez and Rodman collided as the keeper denied Horan in the 24th minute. Bermudez also took a header from Horan in the 40th minute and thwarted Smith just before halftime.
Bermudez turned away a Smith chance in the 49th minute and deflected Horan's shot in the 50th to keep Las Ticas level.
Horan found the net in the 55th minute only for the offside flag to be raised.
Bermudez deflected a Rodman centering pass in overtime and Horan headed a header over the bar in the closing seconds.
