U.S. Takes Lead of Group B with Penalty Shootout Win against Costa Rica

The U.S. Beach Soccer National Team finished the group stage of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Qualifying Tournament as the top team in Group B, after their penalty shootout victory against Costa Rica.

The U.S. Beach Soccer National Team finished the group stage of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Qualifying Tournament as the top team in Group B, after their penalty shootout victory against Costa Rica. The U.S. was took the lead early, after Gil swept them in front with a left-foot volley, and Futagaki and Xexeo made the score 3-1. But a late charge by the Costa Ricans, with a free kick equalizer by Campos in the very last breath of the game, equalized and forced extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.

The U.S. took control from the penalty spot when the pressure was on. Morales scored, but Chavarría could not do the same as his powerful shot hit the post and went wide. The USA the crucial semifinal against hosts Mexico at 4 p.m. local time. The winner will make their way to the final, and secure qualification to the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.