10-man USA in stunning comeback drama to draw Costa Rica 2:2

October 14, 7:30 PMSeattle Soccer ExaminerDavid Falk

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Soccer fans display the No. 9 to honor U.S. National Soccer Team forward Charlie Davies who suffered injuries in a one-car accident in nothern Viriginia, before the start of a 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match between the U.S. and Honduras, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

In a match with all the drama of the greatest of Hollywood sports movies, the United States scored well into stoppage time to pull out a 2:2 draw with Costa Rica Wednesday night at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.

Matches were simultaneously being played in Trinidad (v. Mexico) and El Salvador (v. Honduras) as the CONCACAF qualification group came to a climactic World Cup-bound finish. The USA's draw means the Americans win the group with 20 points. Mexico and T & T battled back and forth but El Tri could only manage a 2:2 draw as well. Mexico finish second in the group with 19 points and are also off to the World Cup.

It was heartbreak for the Ticos of Costa Rica, who lost their automatic Cup berth and third place to Honduras, who won 1:0 in El Salvador. Now the Ticos must playoff of against Uruguay for the right to advance to South Africa in 2010.

The US had a rough go in the first half, falling behind 2:0 on a quick brace of goals from Brian Ruiz mere minutes apart. Ruiz' second strike was a thing of beauty bending over the outstretched Tim Howard.

Matt Connelly, right, waves a No. 9 in reference to U.S. National Soccer Team forward Charlie Davies who suffered injuries in a one-car accident as other soccer fans cheer after the U.S. national soccer team tied with Costa Rica 2-2 in the 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

In the second half the US dominated but failed to score until the 72nd minute when Michael Bradley scrapped in a rebound shot. From then on it was all US pressure and stalling antics for Costa Rica. Finally the officials tossed both the Ticos head and assistant coaches with red cards for their tactics. Five minutes of stoppage time were added and in the 5th minute Jonathan Bornstein headed home a last-gasp corner kick to draw the Yanks level.

The post-match moments were tearful as US players thanked the crowd and held up towels with "#9 Charlie Davies" written on them in honor of the forward who was nearly killed in a a car cash earlier this week.

The US was at ten men for the last ten minutes or so after Oguchi Onyewu came up lame and the States had used all of their allowed substitutions already.

What a night, what a match, and what glory for the USA and hard, hard luck for Costa Rica. We can talk later about the disappointing overall performance by the US. For now it is time to celebrate the sport and the way our countries' boys never gave up, and drew one...for Charlie.

Match reports, etc:

Fifa.com lists the winners of the matches of 10/14/09

USA Today: US draws level in stoppage time

USA Today: Late header gives USA 2:2 tie

Soccer America: USA snatches Ticos' ticket

ESPN: USA digs deep to honor Davies

AP: Fans wave their 9's in support of Davies

NY Times: US fights for a tie

NY Times: Another night of global dreams

Jonathan Bornstein (12) of the U.S. national soccer team celebrates with teammate Carlos Bocanegra, after scoring to tie 2-2 with Costa Rica during a 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Goalie Tim Howard, Steve Cherundolo (6) and Carlos Bocanegra, left, of the U.S. national soccer team celebrate a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica in stoppage time during a 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)