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US-Costa Rica match hit by snowstorm that also coated ESPN’s desk

After losing their first match of the final round of World Cup qualifying to Honduras, the US needed a win against Costa Rica to improve morale and banish grumblings of discontent within the team. That task was complicated a bit by the weather conditions in Colorado though, as a snowstorm hit before the match that covered the pitch in white powder.

The storm prompted former US national teamers Alexi Lalas and Kasey Keller to don ridiculous hats as they worked ESPN's pre-game show from behind a snow covered desk at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Bob Ley, however, was clearly far more hardcore.

According to Yahoo!'s own Graham Watson, "All the regular seats are covered in snow and water" and the wind is swirling, which requires CONCACAF to break out the yellow balls. Despite all this, the players are apparently making the most of the conditions and US winger Brek Shea decided to use the snowy pitch to send a special message...

UPDATE: It only took new captain Clint Dempsey 16 minutes to score for the US and as the snow continues to fall. With the US in control of the match (or as much as possible under such conditions) and maintaining their 1-0 lead, the match officials tried to abandon the game in the 55th minute, but players from both sides convinced them that they could continue. It seems everyone's having too much fun in the snow to stop. Here's video of Dempsey's goal...

UPDATE II: The grounds crew put in a bit of extra work and in the end, the US held on to win 1-0 in the middle of the snow drift. With those three points, the US now jump to second in the table behind Honduras and ahead of Mexico and Panama. A few more games in the snow and qualification could be a breeze.