The U.S. plays Costa Rica in a World Cup Qualifier on September 6th, and it comes as no surprise that Costa Rica wants to make it very difficult for the U.S. MNT. It may also come as no surprise that the Costa Rican Federation have decided to play the match at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, also known as The Monster’s Cave. The U.S. are 0-7-1 lifetime against the Ticos in that stadium, which has an artificial grass surface. Costa Rica does, however, need to get the approval from FIFA to play the match there (especially since Costa Rica also has their new, glamorous Nuevo Estadio Nacional, which has a perfect grass pitch and where they have been playing most of their World Cup Qualifying matches).

While the U.S. is currently tied for second place with Costa Rica and Honduras, this does not look too good for the Yanks. Despite coming off a feel-like-a-win tie against Mexico in Azteca, they actually have a harder time playing at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa. If the U.S. has any hopes of making it to the World Cup next summer in Brazil, they need to start playing better on the road, and in general.