ARLINGTON, Texas – Costa Rica is in somewhat of an unusual situation ahead of its meeting with the United States in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium.

In 35 all-time games between them, the Ticos hold a 15-14 advantage in wins. None of those victories, however, were gained in seven Gold Cup meetings against the Americans, who have amassed a 6W-1D-0L record.

If you’re looking for answers to this dichotomy, they won’t be found in the most recent results.  The U.S. beat Costa Rica, 4-0, in the 2016 Copa America Centenario.  Five months later, in World Cup Qualifying, the Costa Ricans reversed that result, earning a 4-0 win of its own.

Here are some storylines to watch:

- The U.S. is the highest-scoring team in the current Gold Cup, netting four times in nine games.  Can it find the net against a Costa Rican defense that has conceded only once?

- Will the memories of 4-0 loss at Costa Rica in November have any impact in this pivotal Gold Cup encounter?

- Costa Rica has been to only one Gold Cup final, losing 2-0 to the U.S. in 2002.  Motivation is not a question, but are there doubts about beating the Americans for a first-ever in the Gold Cup?

- The injury bug has bit Costa Rica at the Gold Cup.  Will depth and/or fatigue play a role in performance?