HARRISON, N.J. — For the first time since returning to the helm of the U.S. national team, Bruce Arena lost a game.
And it was almost surely the game that he could least afford to lose.
Costa Rica upended the Americans, 2-0, at Red Bull Arena, dealing the U.S. its second home loss in the final round of qualifying and its third overall. Marco Ureña of MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes scored both goals.
It’s the first time since the 1950s that the Americans have lost multiple home games in the final round of qualifying.
Don’t call Costa Rica’s win an upset, because the Ticos have been a power in CONCACAF for some time.