The slimmest of margins is what it took Wednesday night against Costa Rica, with a double-bounce off the post and one of the top goalkeepers in the world having to leave the match at halftime with an injury. .

Beginning the match down 1-0 only 60 seconds into the game, the Americans came back for a critical 2-1 win against Costa Rica at Lower.com Field, on goals from right back Sergino Dest in the 25th minute and a shot on target from forward Tim Weah that was credited as an own goal. .

On the first chance Costa Rica had, left back Ronald Matarrita beat Dest down the left flank and sent in a cross that landed at the feet of Keysher Fuller. 

The defender didn’t hit the ball well, but goalkeeper Zack Steffen froze, anticipating a deflection off Costa Rican forward Jonathan Moya directly in front of him as the ball rolled by him and into the net for a stunning opening goal that had American fans fearing the worst. 

Despite allowing the first goal, the USMNT was into the match and quickly had Costa Rica defending deep in its own end for long stretches. Transitioning out of their own end in the 25th minute, the Americans got the lift they needed. 

After Weah’s shot led to the go-ahead goal, Costa Rica’s defense opened up at the back, but the U.S