ed: We are thrilled that Sam has signed a new nationed: We are thrilled that Sam has signed a new nation | Forum

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- The United States is in danger of becoming the fourth team to start 0-2 in the final round of CONCACAFs World Cup qualifying since the hexagonal format was adopted ahead of the 1998 tournament. Bud Norris Jersey .The Americans traveled to Central America on Sunday, two days after a 2-1 loss to Mexico in Columbus, Ohio -- the Americans first home loss in qualifying since 2001. They are 0-8-1 in qualifiers at Costa Rica -- losing their last eight in a row.Its just part of the qualifying process, the whole kind of long road obviously over 10 games, U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said after Fridays match. And so its not a problem, but its obviously its disappointing.All three hosts lost Friday, the first time that happened in the hexagonal since Sept. 1, 2001, when the U.S. was defeated 3-2 by Honduras at Washingtons RFK Stadium. But there is plenty of time to rebound.The top three teams in the North and Central American and Caribbean finals advance to the 2018 tournament in Russia and the fourth-place nation meets Asias No. 5 finisher in a playoff for another berth.Canada (1997) and Trinidad and Tobago (2001) both started 0-2 and failed to qualify, but the Soca Warriors overcame losses to the U.S. and Guatemala in 2005 to finish fourth, then beat Bahrain in a playoff to reach the 2006 tournament in Germany.The U.S. Soccer Federation noted the average points needed to qualify from the hex has been 15.6, which means the U.S. would need four points on the road if form holds and it wins four remaining home matches. The U.S. earned six points on the road in the final round of qualifying for the 1998 tournament, five for 2002 and seven in each of the last three cycles.We have to look forward, pick ourselves up, forward Jozy Altidore said.The U.S. left behind goalkeeper Tim Howard, who departed the opener in the 40th minute after injuring the adductor muscle in his right leg. After a refueling stop in West Palm Beach, Florida, the team arrived at its hotel in San Jose at 7:30 p.m., following an afternoon storm.Costa Rica has become the perennial No. 3 team in the region behind Mexico and the U.S., and Los Ticos reached the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup before losing to the Netherlands on penalty kicks.In the Americans first qualifying match at Costa Rica, John Kerr scored in the 44th minute off Jeff Hookers cross after Mike Windischmann long pass down a flank, to gain a 1-1 draw on May 26, 1985, at Estadio Alejandro Moreira in Alajuela, about 13 miles from San Jose. Oscar Ramirez had put the hosts ahead about one minute earlier after Arnie Mausser misplayed a cross.The U.S. then lost seven consecutive qualifiers by a combined 16-5 at San Joses Estadio Saprissa, where fans were right behind the benches and some threw bags of urine at the visitors.The site shifted in 2013 to Estadio Nacional, which opened two years earlier and has an athletics track around the field. The result was similar, with the Americans giving up goals to Johnny Acosta and Celso Borges in the first nine minutes of a 3-1 loss that ended their team-record winning streak at 12 games, three shy of Spains world mark. American midfielder Michael Bradley, originally in the starting lineup, limped off the field during warmups after spraining his left ankle and was on crutches at the bench during the match.The message is very simple, Klinsmann said after the loss. Weve got to do down there and get a result, which we will do. Joe Carter Jersey . Louis. To which I would say two things: 1. Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less. Ken Giles Jersey . LOUIS -- Valtteri Filppula assisted on three of Tampa Bays four goals, and the Lightning beat the St. http://www.bluejaysonline.com/blue-jays-jack-morris-jersey/ . Catch all the action on TSN2 at 11pm et/8pm pt. The nine-time Big 12 champion Jayhawks are positioning themselves for another title, as they have run out to a flawless 6-0 mark in conference play thus far. Wales captain Sam Warburton is among four players who have re-signed national dual contracts ahead of the autumn Tests.The Welsh Rugby Union announced Friday that Warburton, his back-row colleague Dan Lydiate, prop Samson Lee and back Hallam Amos have all put pen to paper.Warburton, 28, became the first player to sign a national contract with the WRU in January 2014, which then evolved into a national dual contract with his regional team Cardiff Blues.Lydiate joined the Ospreys from French club Racing 92 on a dual contract, while Newport Gwent Dragons Amos first signed in December 2014 and Scarlets forward Lee a month later.The contracts are 60 per cent funded by the WRU, with a players region paying the rest.And the WRUs announcement comes just eight days before Wales kick off their autumn series against Australia in Cardiff, which is followed by appointments with Argentina, Japan and South Africa on successive weekends.WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said: I am delighted that we are able to announce that four international stars have re-emphasized their commitment to the game here in Wales by re-signing national dual contracts.Having our best players playing here in Wales is vital to the future health of our game. We have made no secrret of that, and the importance both on and off the field at regional and national level in Welsh players playing their rugby in Wales. Dalton Pompey Blue Jays Jersey. .The close working relationship and ambition shared with the regions is crucial in our ability to retain players. Together, we believe we are creating an environment that players want to play in and will get the best out of them on the field.In addition, our player-centred approach is not only helping extend their playing career, but also helping with success in their career after rugby.Seeing international players re-sign these contracts highlights the success of the programme as we continue to work hard to drive the game forward.Reflecting on Warburtons deal, Blues head coach Danny Wilson added: We are thrilled that Sam has signed a new national dual contract with the WRU and ourselves.Sam is obviously a top international-class flanker and has a vast amount of experience. With his leadership ability and having achieved so much in the game, he is a great asset for Cardiff Blues.Its great that he sees his future here, and he will be a key figure for us moving forward. ' ' '