Chicago Fire defender Francisco Calvo and the Costa Rica Men's National Team played their third and final 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match of the current international window on Wednesday night, ultimately falling to the United States 2-1 at Columbus' Lower.com Field.
Calvo started and played 90 minutes for the third-straight match for head coach Luis Fernando Suárez, and began the sequence that led to Costa Rica's opening goal in the first minute with a long pass into the attack. After U.S. goalkeeper Zack Steffen headed the ensuing clearance out of the 18-yard box, Los Ticos defender Ronald Matarrita got on the ball and crossed to Keysher Fuller for the finish and the early lead.
The U.S. answered back in the 25th minute, when defender Sergiño Dest beat goalkeeper Keylor Navas with a strike to the upper left corner. Navas was replaced at halftime by Leonel Moreira, who was credited with an own goal in the 66th minute after U.S. forward Timothy Weah played a shot off the near post that deflected off of the 'keeper's back and into the net to give the home team the lead.
Costa Rica remains in fifth place in the eight-team Concacaf qualifying standings despite the result, with six points through six matches played. Up next, they'll resume their qualifying campaign on Nov. 12 with a visit to Canada at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium.
Calvo will rejoin the Fire and look toward the team's Saturday visit to Eastern Conference leaders the New England Revolution. Kickoff for Saturday's match is set for 6 p.m. CT on WGN-TV, CFFC Live, TUDN 1200AM, and MLS LIVE on ESPN+.
