Costa Rica clip US

HARRISON, N.J. (AP):

Tim Howard made his first appearance in goal for the United States in 15 months and was unable to stop the Americans' slide.

Joel Campbell scored in the 70th minute, and Costa Rica beat the listless US 1-0 in an exhibition Tuesday night.

Three days after a 3-2 loss to Mexico in a play-off for the region's Confederations Cup berth, the US generated few scoring chances in the latest of a string of dismal performances this year that have led to criticism of coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Howard took a one-year sabbatical from the national team after making 15 saves in the 2-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium at last year's World Cup.

Before a crowd of just 9,214 in almost two-thirds empty Red Bulls Arena, the Americans struggled defensively after second-half substitutions.

Jonathan Spector turned the ball over, leading to the goal. Dave Myrie, who had just entered, crossed for Campbell, and the forward beat Danny Williams into space and sent a 12-yard, left-footed shot just past Howard.