Feb 1, 2020; Carson, California, USA; United States forward Ulysses Llanez (19) celebrates after his goal on a penalty kick during the second half against Costa Rica at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
(Reuters) – The United States men’s soccer team won their first match of 2020 with a 1-0 friendly victory over CONCACAF rival Costa Rica on Saturday in Carson, California.
Ulysses Llanez, an 18-year-old striker, scored from the penalty spot in the 50th minute to give the young American side the victory.
He celebrated by pretending to shoot a jump shot in honor of former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash last week.
The U.S. is trying to rebuild its program under Gregg Berhalter who was hired a little more than a year ago.
Esteban Alvarado was superb in goal for Costa Rica as he made four superb saves from the Americans.
The U.S. team will next head to Europe for a pair of friendlies against the Netherlands and Wales in late March.
Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Christopher Cushing