CHICAGO — For two days, they insisted that their confidence wasn’t shaken by last Friday’s loss to Colombia. Their resolve wasn’t damaged. Faith in their potential and tactical approach remained strong. Turns out that wasn’t lip service. The U.S. national team had bounced back before from tough losses and did so again Tuesday night in the Windy City, where the hosts found their Copa América Centenario groove with a 4-0 romp over Costa Rica.
The Americans would have been eliminated from the tournament with a defeat. Instead, they’re 1-1-0 and will head to Philadelphia for Saturday’s Group A finale against Paraguay with chance to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.