After an absence of nearly three years, goalkeeper Zack Steffen made a triumphant return between the posts for the United States Men’s National Team. The 29-year-old Manchester City backup was the star of the show as the USA cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Costa Rica in an international friendly on Wednesday night.
Steffen, who had not played for the US since a World Cup qualifying loss to Costa Rica in March 2022, made several excellent saves to keep a clean sheet. His standout moment came in the 37th minute, when he acrobatically tipped away a long-range effort from Costa Rica’s Alejandro Bran.
“It’s always nice to make some of those top-handed saves,” a beaming Steffen said after the match.
– Zack Steffen, USA goalkeeper
Goals Galore for the Young Yanks
While Steffen shone in goal, it was the USA’s young attackers who provided the scoring punch. Brian White, the 29-year-old striker who was making just his third international appearance, opened the scoring in the 21st minute. White latched onto a through ball from the bloodied but unbowed Diego Luna and slotted a cool finish past Costa Rica keeper Esteban Alvarado.
The US doubled their lead in the 77th minute through 21-year-old midfielder Caden Clark. The promising youngster, playing in just his second international match, lashed a left-footed shot into the net after Emeka Eneli stole the ball on the flank.
Patrick Agyemang, another young American prospect earning his second cap, rounded out the scoring in the 90th minute. The 24-year-old forward collected a pass from DeJuan Jones and curled a shot past substitute keeper Anthony Walker to make it 3-0.
Pochettino Pleased with Performance
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for his team’s showing, especially the courageous performance of the bloodied Luna in setting up the opening goal.
“He showed great character because he wanted to stay, he wanted to play,” Pochettino said of Luna. “This is a player that for sure we are going to have in consideration for the future.”
– Mauricio Pochettino, USA head coach
Steffen Stakes Claim for Starting Spot
But the night belonged to Steffen, who seems determined to reclaim the starting goalkeeper job from Matt Turner ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Turner has struggled for playing time at club level with Crystal Palace, opening the door for Steffen to stake his claim.
“It’s a thing that we are going to evaluate every single camp in order to make the best decision,” Pochettino said of the brewing goalkeeper battle. “We are very honest and transparent … They know that through the performance they can be fighting for the position.”
– Mauricio Pochettino on the competition between Steffen and Turner
With this resounding win, their fourth straight, the Americans are building momentum as they navigate the long road to the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The Europe-based stars will rejoin the squad for a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Panama in March, as Pochettino’s men continue to gel and grow ahead of the high-stakes battles ahead.
