A late strike from Preki Radosavljevic gave the USA a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in their CONCACAF Gold Cup match in Oakland, Calif. The U.S. opened the scoring in the 7th minute, when an unmarked Eddie Pope rushed into the center of the box to head home Joe-Max Moore’s corner kick. Despite the early goal, the U.S. did not really control the first half, as Costa Rica had more of the possession and chances. The Ticos had little difficulty going through the center of the U.S. defense. Allan Oviedo troubled the U.S. early, and Premier League star Paulo Wanchope looked more dangerous as the half progressed. The U.S. came close to adding a second goal when Frankie Hejduk sent a square ball to Pope on the right side, and the defender’s cross was volleyed off the crossbar by Eric Wynalda. Costa Rica equalized eleven minutes into the second half when Oviedo stuffed a 12-yard-shot past Brad Friedel after good setup work from Roy Myers and Wanchope. With the U.S. needing an outright victory to finish atop Group 3, Preki (who had come on as a sub for Marcelo Balboa) scored the gamewinner with a brilliant solo effort. The 1997 MLS MVP took the ball on the right side, moved to his left to avoid a tackle by Costa Rican defender Arnaez, and beat keeper Erick Lonnis with a 25-yard shot that curled into the upper right corner. With the win, the U.S. advances to the semifinals in Los Angeles, where it will face the runner-up from Group 1 on Feb. 10. Feb. 7 in Oakland, Calif. USA 2 Costa Rica 1. Goal: Pope 7, Radosavljevic 78; Oviedo 56 USA — Friedel, Agoos, Balboa (Radosavljevic, 69), Lalas, Pope (Burns, 46), Hejduk, Harkes, Jones, Moore, Wynalda, Wegerle (McBride, 63). Costa Rica — Lonnis, Marin, Berry, Wallace (Mullins, 82), Wright, Arnaez, Lopez, Guillen, Myers (Guthrie, 71), Oviedo (Drummond, 65), Wanchope. Yellow cards — USA — Wegerle 26, Lalas 45, Hejduk 77. Referee: Mohammed Nazri Abdullah (Malaysia). Att.: 36,240.