United States Soccer Set To Take On Costa Rica In Carson

Jurgen Klinsmann takes the United States soccer team out for their second test ride tonight, taking on Costa Rica at the Home Depot Center in Carson. Familiar stars Landon Donovan and Tim Howard will both be on the pitch, but Clint Dempsey will not join the team until their friendly in Belgium. How many minutes Donovan will play is subject to some debate, as this friendly roster contains a lot of younger players trying out for a spot; and Donovan has obligations to the Los Angeles Galaxy on Monday. 

The last time the USA took on Costa Rica was 2009 at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. This was when Charlie Davies had his car accident, and Oguchi Onyewu suffered a serious knee injury. Jonathan Bornstein scored the last goal, a moment that bought him more time on the national team then many fans thought he deserved. 

Zach Loyd and Heath Pierce were on the original callup roster, but had to decline and were replaced by Chris Pontius and Jonathan Spektor. Spektor had a long and much maligned career at West Ham, and was recently released as the team experienced relegation. Spektor has caught on with another relegated side, Birmingham City. 

Clint Dempsey isn't the only one sitting out this match. Steve Cherundolo and Kyle Beckerman will join the camp in Brussels as well. Just ten from the roster vs. Mexico have been called to the Carson camp. This is a chance for Klinsmann to really see the depth he has to work with.