COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Geoff Cameron was shifted to right back and DaMarcus Beasley was inserted at left back as the United States revamped its lineup for a World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.
Omar Gonzalez and Clarence Goodson started in central defense Friday night, and goalkeeper Brad Guzan got his first start since 2010. Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley were in the midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Graham Zusi, Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez in front of them and Jozy Altidore up front.
Dempsey captained the Americans in the absence of defender Carlos Bocanegra, dropped because of lack of playing time, and goalkeeper Tim Howard, recovering from two broken bones in his back. Dempsey’s only previous time as captain was during the second half of an exhibition against Colombia in 2010.
Beasley, a veteran of three World Cups, was making his 98th international appearance.