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Costa Rica seeks second win in Gold Cup
Costa Rica is aiming for another big win when it takes on El Salvador in the Gold Cup at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte Friday morning.
The Ticos kicked off their Group A campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Cuba on Sunday. Marco Ureña scored two goals while Alvaro Saborío, Heiner Mora and Joel Campbell added a goal each to lead the Central Americans to an easy win.
Striker Bryan Ruiz is expected to make his return to Costa Rica after being sidelined with an injury.
"I had the test of fire [on Tuesday] and I can say that I'm at 100 percent and that the pain is completely gone," the FC Twente striker said in an interview posted at the Costa Rican football association's web site.
"So if the boss [Ricardo La Volpe] sees it fit, then I will be part of the starting lineup against El Salvador."
El Salvador, in contrast, was walloped by Mexico 0-5 in its opening match. Despite the heavy setback, the Los Cuscatlecos are confident that they can post a better performance against Costa Rica.
"I think we got a little unlucky in the game against Mexico," defender Steve Purdy told the Charlotte Observer
"Things didn't go our way, but we're ready to rebound and work hard for the next game."
"They have a strong team, a lot of strong players attacking-wise and defensively, so we're going to have to make sure we do well and stay organized and really fight for a win," added Purdy, who was born and raised in the United States but opted to represent the birthplace of his mother in the senior level.
Purdy, who plays for the Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer, is one of two US-bred players in the squad along with Arturo Alvarez.
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