Coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mexico on Saturday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is gearing up for their final match before heading to France for the Summer Olympics. The 2024 Send-Off Match, presented by Coca-Cola, will see the U.S. taking on Costa Rica on Tuesday, July 16 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET, with broadcast and streaming coverage available on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max, and Peacock.
USWNT on an Unbeaten Streak
The USWNT heads into this match on an impressive eight-game unbeaten streak, having outscored their opponents 18-5 during this run. The team aims to build on this momentum against a Costa Rica side that reached the quarterfinals of the Concacaf W Gold Cup earlier this year and competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Inside the Series: USA vs. Costa Rica
Tuesday’s match will mark the 18th encounter between the USA and Costa Rica, with the Americans winning all 17 previous meetings. These victories represent the longest undefeated streak against any single opponent in the history of the USWNT.
Most of these matches have been crucial qualifiers for the World Cup or the Olympics, including their last clash in the semifinals of the 2022 Concacaf W Championship. The USA secured a 3-0 victory in Monterrey, Mexico, on July 14, 2022, to advance to the final, where they defeated Canada to clinch their spot in Paris 2024. Goals from Emily Sonnett, Mallory Swanson, and Ashley Sanchez highlighted that match.
The most recent friendly between these two teams was in November 2019, resulting in a 6-0 win for the USA. This match will be the first friendly competition since then, providing a critical test before the Olympics.
Costa Rica’s Recent Form
Costa Rica has had a busy schedule, having qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 Concacaf W Championship. Despite a challenging group stage that included matches against Zambia, Japan, and eventual champions Spain, Costa Rica showed resilience.
Following the World Cup, Costa Rica turned their attention to the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup qualification. They topped Group C despite an initial setback against Haiti, eventually falling to Canada in the quarterfinals after a dramatic drawing of lots with Puerto Rico.
Key Players for Costa Rica
Head coach Beni Rubido has selected a 22-player roster for the upcoming friendly, headlined by captain Raquel “Rocky” Rodríguez. The 30-year-old midfielder, who scored Costa Rica’s first World Cup goal in 2015, is the country’s all-time leading scorer. Rodríguez currently plays for Angel City FC in the NWSL and is the only player on this roster competing in the USA.
The roster also includes players from the Costa Rican Women’s Premier Division, with a significant number from 2023 Clausura champions Alajuelense. Players to watch include forward Melissa Herrera and defender Gabriela Guillén, who bring international experience and leadership to the squad.
Roster Breakdown
Goalkeepers (2):
- Noelia Bermúdez (Alajuelense)
- Daniela Solera (Atlas, MEX)
Defenders (7):
- Gabriela Guillén (Alajuelense)
- María Paula Coto (Alajuelense)
- Mariana Benavides (Millonarios, COL)
- Jimena González (Sporting FC)
- María Paula Elizondo (Saprissa FF)
- María José Morales (Dimas Escazú)
- Fabiola Villalobos (Alajuelense)
Midfielders (6):
- Yaniela Arias (Dimas Escazú)
- Priscila Rodríguez (Saprissa FF)
- Gloriana Villalobos (Saprissa FF)
- Raquel Rodríguez (Angel City FC, USA)
- Emilie Valenciano (Alajuelense)
- Alexandra Pinell (Alajuelense)
Forwards (7):
- Melissa Herrera (Xolos Tijuana, MEX)
- María Paula Salas (Atlas, MEX)
- Priscila Chinchilla (Zenit de San Petersburgo, RUS)
- Ángela Mesén (Alajuelense)
- Alexa Herrera (Alajuelense)
- Tanisha Fonseca (Sporting FC)
- Sianyf Agüero (Alajuelense)
Capital Connections: Homecoming for U.S. Players
Audi Field in Washington, D.C., will serve as a homecoming for several players on the U.S. roster, many of whom have ties to the nation’s capital. Four players currently compete for the Washington Spirit, including Casey Krueger, Trinity Rodman, Hal Hershfelt, and recently-capped Croix Bethune. Former Spirit players Crystal Dunn, Mallory Swanson, Emily Sonnett, and Rose Lavelle will also feel at home, with Dunn and Swanson having been former No. 1 draft picks by the Spirit.
Next Stop: France
Following the match against Costa Rica, the USWNT will head to France for the 2024 Summer Olympics, starting with a game against Zambia on July 25 at Stade de Nice. The Americans will also face Germany and Australia in the group stage, with high hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.
This will be the USWNT’s eighth Olympic appearance, having won four gold medals, a silver, and a bronze in previous tournaments. The team is bolstered by experienced Olympians like Crystal Dunn, Lindsey Horan, and Alyssa Naeher.
As the USWNT prepares for the Olympics, their match against Costa Rica provides a crucial final test. With an unbeaten streak, a talented roster, and strong connections to the capital, the team is set to make a significant impact in France. Stay tuned for an exciting match that promises to showcase the best of women’s soccer.
