Olympic Send-Off Match: USWNT vs. Costa Rica Preview

July 16, 2024
By Rohtas Wadera

The USWNT defeated Mexico 1-0 and now shifts its focus to Costa Rica, another familiar foe within CONCACAF. The Stars and Stripes were far more dominant than the scoreline suggested, with 17 shots, six on target, and 71% possession. Costa Rica will likely be more defensive than Mexico in a 4-3-3. Let’s take a closer look into the USWNT vs. Costa Rica.

USWNT vs. Costa Rica: Tuesday, July 15 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, TNT, TruTV, Universo

While the USWNT looked great in their last match, it wasn’t perfect. The first thing that should stand out to everyone who saw the game is the lack of finishing. The number of shots and shots on target with just one goal is a bit concerning against an inferior opponent. That is why playing these warm-up games before the Olympics is essential.

Las Ticas are in a bad run of form, with a record of 3-5 in their last eight games. Back-to-back losses to an Argentina team with issues within their federation isn’t a good look. A familiar face from the NWSL is their captain, Rocky Rodriguez, who is now with Angel City. Rodriguez is the focal point of their team; she’s a creator who is also Costa Rica’s all-time leading goal scorer and the player they rely on.

As long as the USWNT shut her down, they should have no problems winning this game by multiple goals. Lindsey Horan and Sam Coffey have experience playing with Rodriguez and might know her tendencies on the ball and how she likes to play.

I’ve talked about how strong the front three are ad nauseam, but the bottom line is they have to take their chances and finish teams off. Doing what they did against Mexico would not be acceptable against Costa Rica. Not only that, but they open the Olympics against a far more dangerous opponent in Zambia. If the USWNT does not take their chances against Las Ticas, concern may start to build around dominating the ball but not scoring. The USWNT needs to come out and destroy Costa Rica to make a statement to the rest of the field that they should be feared. For how good the USWNT is, another 1-0 win would not strike fear into any of the other teams at the Olympics.

It’s fitting that the USWNT is having its sendoff game in the nation’s capital at Audi Field. They’ve never lost in 17 previous meetings, which is the most for the USWNT against any opponent. The USA should steamroll Costa Rica and give the fans a proper sendoff before they chase the fifth Gold Medal in US Soccer history.