ORLANDO, Fla. — After an absence of nearly three years from the pitch, Zack Steffen returned as the goalkeeper for the U.S. Men’s National Team, facing Costa Rica in a friendly match. His last appearance had also been against Costa Rica, but this time, the stakes were lower, and the outcome was certainly more favorable.
The U.S. secured a convincing 3-0 victory, marking their second consecutive friendly match without players based in Europe. Steffen made two remarkable saves during the match, which were crucial in helping his team maintain a clean sheet. “It’s always nice to make some of those top-handed saves,” expressed Steffen after the game.
The scoring opened in the 21st minute with Brian White finding the net, followed by Caden Clark’s goal in the 77th minute, marking both players’ first international goals. White’s goal was assisted by Diego Luna, who overcame a broken nose from an earlier incident in the match. After a brief medical intervention, Luna bravely returned to provide the crucial assist before being substituted at the start of the second half. “He showed great character because he wanted to stay, he wanted to play,” said coach Mauricio Pochettino, emphasizing Luna’s determination. “This is a player that for sure we are going to have in consideration for the future.”
The final goal came from Patrick Agyemang in the 90th minute, bringing his tally to two goals in as many games. The U.S. has now extended its winning streak to four matches, a feat they have not achieved since a nine-game winning run in 2021.
Steffen had not donned the U.S. jersey since a 2-0 defeat to Costa Rica in the final World Cup qualifying match in March 2022 and was omitted from the World Cup roster by coach Gregg Berhalter, who chose Matt Turner instead for Qatar. Having returned to the fold under Pochettino’s guidance last October, Steffen demonstrated impressive skills during the match against Costa Rica.
He showcased outstanding reflexes, notably using his right hand to deflect a powerful shot from Alejandro Bran in the 37th minute and later reacting swiftly to stop Allan Cruz’s attempt in the 56th minute. “He performed really, really well,” commended Pochettino. “Today he was great.”
Now 29, Steffen joined Colorado in Major League Soccer last year after spending over four years with Manchester City, where he made only two appearances in the Premier League. His recent training has focused on positioning deeper in the goal, which he believes has enhanced his game. “It just gave me time to shuffle my feet and get a good push,” he explained. “I think if I’m higher the ball goes over my hand and then it goes in. Yeah, I like what they’re teaching me.”
Meanwhile, Turner, the current second-choice goalkeeper, has seen limited action with Crystal Palace this season, participating in just two cup matches. Pochettino acknowledged his performance during the national team’s game against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League but noted the competition for the starting role is ongoing. “It’s a thing that we are going to evaluate every single camp in order to make the best decision,” he said. “We are very honest and transparent … They know that through their performance they can be fighting for the position.”
In a standout moment, White, playing his third international match, scored by beating Costa Rican goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado after connecting with a well-placed through pass from Luna. At nearly 29 years old, White became the oldest American to score his first international goal since Matt Besler did so at the same age in 2016. Clark, only 21, sealed his goal with a skillful left-footed shot following a cross from Emeka Eneli after a successful play to regain possession.
Agyemang, at 24, who made his debut just days prior in a 3-1 win over Venezuela, scored again with an angled shot facilitated by DeJuan Jones’ timely assist.
With Europe-based players set to rejoin the squad for the Nations League semifinal against Panama on March 20, the U.S. is gearing up with valuable matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, competed under new head coach Miguel Herrera and introduced four fresh starters: defenders Santiago van der Putten and Ryan Bolaños, midfielder Creichel Pérez, and forward Josimar Méndez. They also saw the debut of Walker and defender Kevin Espinoza at the beginning of the second half.
