Six days after his stellar debut performance with the U.S. Men's National Team, Chicago Fire Homegrown midfielder Djordje Mihailović collected his second USMNT cap and start in Saturday's 2-0 win over Costa Rica, bringing to an end a successful first experience with the senior squad.
Hosting an experienced Ticos side at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, the U.S. fought to find its attacking rhythm through much of the first 45 minutes of Saturday's friendly, but managed to put the pressure on the visitors in the final third right from the start of the second half. It wasn't until the 80th minute that the U.S. found the breakthrough, which came courtesy of Bay Area native Sebastian Lletget and was followed up by an 88th-minute goal by Paul Arriola to seal the win.
After going 62 minutes in his USMNT debut last Sunday, Mihailović added another 63-minute shift to his U.S. ledger against Costa Rica. Mihailović's two best looks at goal came in quick succession in the second half, but both were well-defended by the Ticos and snuffed out just as they left the foot of the 20-year-old midfielder.
For the game, the U.S. finished with 66 percent of the possession and a 17-10 advantage in total shots.
With his inaugural USMNT camp experience complete, Mihailović will now have the opportunity to make his way to Madrid and join his Chicago Fire teammates in the midst of preseason preparations for the 2019 MLS season. The Fire officially open the campaign one month from Saturday with a nationally televised road test against the LA Galaxy (Saturday, March 2, 7 PM CT, FS1).
