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Three days after falling to Mexico with a spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup on the line, the USMNT faced Costa Rica in a friendly at Red Bulls Arena in New York, and the result wasn't any better. Joel Campbell scored in the 70th minute for the Ticos, ensuring the fifth loss in six games for the Americans. Costa Rica outshot the U.S., 15-5, in a game that never really took off. Jurgen Klinsmann made seven changes to his squad, but it didn't amount to much.
Sure, it's just a loss in a friendly that doesn't mean much. But on the heels of recent results, Tuesday night reinforces the negative thoughts many American fans have about Klinsmann right now — and it seems like some players have the same attitudes. Klinsmann blamed the loss on a hangover from the Mexico game, but he needs to find a way to light a new fire under his players before World Cup qualifying begins next month.
Fabian Johnson's club says he picked up injury with USMNT [SSFC]
Klinsmann thinks Fabian Johnson quit on his team when he asked to be subbed off in the 111th minute against Mexico, but Borussia Monchengladbach says the fullback actually has an injury. This isn't helping with the anti-Klinsmann sentiment.
At least the U.S. men's under-23 squad gave us something to smile about. The Americans scored a couple of late goals to move past Canada and into a playoff with Colombia. The winner of that game will advance to the 2016 Olympic tournament in Rio.
The Netherlands didn't make Euro 2016. Here's why. [SBN]
A little more than a year ago, Robin Van Persie scored on a sensational header in a World Cup dismantling of Spain, and the Netherlands looked like one of the best national teams on the planet. Now, Van Persie and the Dutch are doing things like this:
What's happening in The A?
Thabo Sefolosha shows why 'sticking to sports' isn't a viable option [SBN]
Sefolosha saw his 2014-15 season ended early and his career threatened when a New York City police officer broke his leg last spring. The Hawks wing has been cleared of all obstruction charges used to justify that action, and in the process is helping to shine a light on a serious issue.