Comeback Draw Stalls Costa Rica's WC Dreams

On a night that began with a heartfelt display from fans for injured forward Charlie Davies, the USMNT finished qualification in style with a comeback draw to keep Costa Rica from earning CONCACAF's last automatic berth in the World Cup. Trailing 2-0 well into the second half, the US halved the lead in the 71st minute before securing a point at the death.

Despite the fantastic finish, the moment of the night had to be the display of support for Charlie Davies in the 9th minute of the match. At this point in the match, the stands were filled with white signs with "9" on them, amongst many other signs wishing the striker well. Hopefully this sincere demonstration helped Charlie see how many people he has pulling for him and gave him a brief bright moment in this very difficult time.

Unfortunately for the USMNT and the approximately 30,000 fans in attendance, Costa Rica spoiled the party, as Bryan Ruiz scored in the 20th minute, and then once more in the 23rd with a cracking strike into the upper corner. The Costa Ricans were sitting pretty at halftime, needing to just preserve the lead in the final 45 to book their ticket to South Africa.

The US were able to take the momentum in the 71st minute when Michael Bradley was able to finish off a rebound from a Landon Donovan shot. The goal was Bradley's third in the Hex, with the other two coming way back in February in the US' 2-0 win over Mexico in Columbus. The US continued to press for the equalizer after this point, as Costa Rica tried desperately to take all 3 points. With Honduras winning earlier in the evening, anything less than a win for the Ticos would mean having to take part in the CONCACAF-CONMEBOL playoff.

With Jay DeMerit possibly needing eye surgery and Charlie Davies obviously out for awhile, the USMNT is dealing with key injuries. It's looking like Oguchi Onyewu will be added to that last of long term injuries, as the centerback went down late in the second half and immediately called for medical staff to come onto the field. The Costa Rican players near Onyewu also immediately gestured to the sideline for help, as it appeared that Onyewu's knee gave out while back-tracking for a cross. Reports are that he has torn his patellar tendon, which could keep him out of action until the spring.

Despite this setback, the match finished on a high note, as the US scored the equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Off a Landon Donovan corner kick, perhaps the least likely source of offense came streaking into the box to head home the tying goal. Jonathan Bornstein scored his first goal in World Cup qualification, as his header found its way into the back of the net. Nats fans at RFK erupted in applause, as Costa Rican fans and players had their hearts broken at the last moment of the match. With the result, Costa Rica will now have to play Uruguay in a playoff to try to earn their way back to the World Cup.

With qualification over, focus now shifts to the World Cup next summer. As US Soccer tries to line up a number of friendlies to prepare the squad, the players will try to stay sharp with their club sides or recover from injuries. The two year odyssey that is CONCACAF qualification is now over, but the real test still awaits in South Africa.