El Nino Can’t Rain On U.S. Soccer Parade, As Costa Rica Falls 2-1

Preki snapped a tie with a goal in the 78th minute, and USA defeated Costa Rica 2-1 Saturday to advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The U.S. team overcame heavy rains and a sloppy field to register its fourth consecutive victory. The streak began Nov. 9 with a win over Canada.

The victory also stretched USA’s unbeaten string to eight games, one shy of its all-time mark.

The semifinal match will be played later this week in Los Angeles. The schedule was uncertain because torrential rains Friday forced the postponement until Monday of a game between El Salvador and Jamaica.

Preki had entered the game in place of Marcelo Balboa in the 69th minute and scored the game-winner less than 9 minutes later, driving a kick into the upper left corner of the net from 25 yards out.

Goalie Erick Lonnis made a lunging try to block it, but the ball shot past him, glancing off his hands.