HARRISON, N.J. (AP) - Tim Ream was paired with Geoff Cameron in central defense, and Bobby Wood started at forward with Jozy Altidore for the United States’ World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica on Friday night.
Tim Howard was in goal, with Graham Zusi at right back and Jorge Villafana at left back. Captain Michael Bradley was in defensive midfield, with teenage star Christian Pulisic on the right flank, Darlington Nagbe in the center and Fabian Johnson on the left.
Just five of the players started the Americans’ previous qualifier, a 1-1 draw at Mexico in June: Ream, Cameron, Bradley, Pulisic and Wood.
After an 0-2 start in the final round of the North and Central American and Caribbean region under coach Jurgen Klinsmann, the Americans have two home wins and two road ties under Bruce Arena. Costa Rica beat the visiting U.S. 4-0 in November, leading to Klinsmann’s firing.
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