The U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team kicked off the Concacaf Olympic qualifying tournament Thursday against Costa Rica in Guadalajara, Mexico, winning 1-0.
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jackson Yueill started and went the full 90 as captain for the Americans.
After Jesus Ferreira hit the post just two minutes in, it looked like the U.S. would be very lively, but both teams basically went on a track meet for the first half-hour, trading possession and trying to take a quick lead.
Ferreira found the breakthrough in the 35th minute, as Sam Vines’ centering pass squirted out to the FC Dallas man, who hit a strong one-timer to make it 1-0.