Twelve years ago, on March 22, 2013, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Costa Rica played in one of the most surreal World Cup qualifiers in history. The match, held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, took place in freezing temperatures and relentless snowfall, creating conditions so extreme that it was later dubbed the ‘Snow Clásico.’
A Match Unlike Any Other
From the opening whistle, it was clear this wouldn’t be an ordinary game. A blizzard had rolled in, blanketing the field in thick snow and severely limiting visibility. Players struggled to maintain their footing, the ball barely moved across the icy pitch, and referees had to stop play multiple times just to clear the lines. Despite these challenges, Clint Dempsey managed to score in the 16th minute, giving the USMNT an early 1-0 lead.
As the snow continued to fall, the game turned into a battle of endurance rather than tactics. Passes became unpredictable, and both teams had to rely on sheer determination. Costa Rica, fighting against both the elements and a determined U.S. squad, came close to equalizing but failed to break through.
Costa Rica’s Furious Reaction
After the final whistle, Costa Rican players and officials were outraged. They immediately filed an official protest with FIFA, arguing that the match should have been abandoned due to unplayable conditions. Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica’s captain, called it a “disgrace,” while head coach Jorge Luis Pinto insisted the game had been unfair.
However, FIFA rejected the protest, ruling that the game had been completed under the referee’s discretion.
The result stood, marking a crucial victory for the USMNT in their 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.
The Legacy of the ‘Snow Clásico’
For U.S. soccer fans, the ‘Snow Clásico’ became a legendary moment—a symbol of resilience and home-field advantage taken to the extreme. The USMNT had proven they could grind out a result in some of the worst possible conditions, and the match became one of the most memorable in American soccer history.
For Costa Rica, however, the bitter defeat only fueled their determination. They would go on to have the last laugh in the 2014 World Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals in Brazil—something the USMNT failed to do.
Even after 12 years, the ‘Snow Clásico’ remains one of the most talked-about games in CONCACAF history. It was a night where the weather took center stage, controversy raged, and U.S. soccer carved out one of its most unforgettable victories.
