ORLANDO, Fla. >> Zack Steffen was back on the field for the United States to face Costa Rica, nearly three years after his previous appearance in goal, also against the Ticos. Stakes were far lower but the results were much better.

Steffen made a pair of excellent saves, and the U.S. won 3-0 on Wednesday night as Brian White, Caden Clark and Patrick Agyemang scored in the Americans’ second straight friendly without Europe-based players.

“It’s always nice to make some of those top-handed saves,” Steffen said.

White scored in the 21st minute and Clark in the 77th. White’s goal was set up by Diego Luna, whose nose had been broken by an early elbow.

After several minutes getting cotton stuffed in his nose, Luna returned to the field and assisted on the goal. Luna was replaced at the start of the second half.

“He showed great character because he wanted to stay, he wanted to play,” coach Mauricio Pochettino said.

Agyemang added a goal in the 90th, scoring for the second straight game, and the U.S. extended its winning streak to four for the first time since winning nine straight in 2021.

Steffen had not played for the U.S. since a 2-0 loss in the final World Cup qualifier at Costa Rica on March 30, 2022.