Chicago Fire defender Francisco Calvo got the start in defense for the Costa Rica Men's National Team on Thursday night in a 0-0 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying draw at Panama.
After last helping Los Ticos reach for the knockout round at this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup tournament, Calvo returned to Costa Rica's back line to begin the region's third and final stage of qualifying for next year's tournament. In a 90-minute performance, Calvo contributed to a clean sheet as Costa Rica picked up a valuable road point at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City, Panama.
Following the result, Costa Rica and six other teams are level on one point in the eight-team Concacaf standings. Mexico was the only team to secure a win in the first night of play, beating Jamaica 2-1.
Up next, LosTicos will host a pair of matches at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica. They'll welcome Mexico this Sunday, Sept. 5, at 6:00 p.m. CT before hosting Jamaica on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 8:00 p.m. CT.
