Dest stunner fires USA past Costa Rica
The United States came from behind to beat rival Costa Rica 2-1 in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on Thursday (AEDT).
Sergino Dest scored a stunning goal as a youthful USA side overturned an early deficit to bounce back from their shock loss in Panama – the nation's first defeat during the 2022 qualifying campaign.
With an average age of 22 years and 229 days, USA's starting XI was the youngest fielded by the country in a World Cup qualifying fixture midweek.
USA faced an early test in Columbus after Keysher Fuller's volley found a way past goalkeeper Zack Steffen and into the back of the net in just the first minute.
A moment of brilliance from 20-year-old Dest restored parity for Gold Cup champions USA in the 25th minute – the Barcelona full-back drifted onto his left foot on the edge of the penalty area and fired a powerful strike into the top corner.
Gregg Berhalter's USA completed their comeback with 24 minutes remaining at Lower.com Field.
Costa Rica's Leonel Moreira – who replaced Keylor Navas at half-time – was unable to keep out Timothy Weah's shot at the near post.
USA moved level with arch-rivals Mexico on 11 points before El Tri face El Salvador on the road to Qatar 2022.