U.S. Versus Costa Rica Snow Game Leaves Lasting Image

The 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in Commerce City on Friday night will be one for U.S. soccer folklore.  The snow became heavier as the night wore on just as the forecast had predicted.  It was complete with a stoppage of play in the 55th minute and now word that Costa Rica will protest the match being played in the winter storm.  Still the players seemed to want to play as the ball came to a stop in piles of snow after the 75th minute.  Regardless, the outcome combined with the imagery make this match one to remember.

The grounds crew of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park should get an extra day off with the work they did.  Their job got tougher as the night went on with Geoff Cameron pushing one of them across the field as the snow became too heavy.  They did a wonderful job early in the game and continually worked to clear areas as play was on the opposite side of the midfield line.  The U.S. team even signed a shovel after the match concluded.

The photographers at the match had to be loving it assuming they were bundled up.  The yellow ball, snow coming in thick, amazing athletes still trying to make the best places on a covered grounds are not something that is captured all the time during the Hex.  Neither is a snow fro.

March 22, 2013; Commerce City, CO, USA; A general view as USA midfielder Jermaine Jones (13) is covered in snow in the second half against Costa Rica during the World Cup Qualifier at Dick

The win was obviously pivotal as the U.S. is now in second place after two matches, but for some what they just witnessed had to be surreal.  That may have set in when seeing the pitch after the match ended.

The legend of this match could grow depending on how the U.S. finishes in qualifying and beyond.  People will be making up names for the event and some have already surfaced.  Let’s hope whatever becomes popular has a decidedly U.S. twist.  Still, the match was a thing of beauty and a great talking point.  Monica Gonzalez was on the sidelines for the match and perhaps this summed it up the best.

What will your memories be of this match?  Here are a few more of the wonderful images from last night.

March 22, 2013; Commerce City, CO, USA; USA defender Geoff Cameron (20) a member of the grounds crew in clearing the field of some snow in the second half of the game against Costa Rica during the World Cup Qualifier at Dick

March 22, 2013; Commerce City, CO, USA; Referee Joel Aguilar (center) stops play to clear parts of the field of snow in the second half of the game between Costa Rica against USA during the World Cup Qualifier at Dick

March 22, 2013; Commerce City, CO, USA; General view of a snow covered soccer ball in the second half between Costa Rica against USA during the World Cup Qualifier at Dick