Chukwuemeka Somto “Emeka” Eneli, known simply as Emeka, is in his third season as a professional with Real Salt Lake. Playing as a defensive midfielder suits him perfectly, as his primary role is to win possession, shield the defense, and keep his team organized rather than score or provide assists. His impressive performances have made him a valuable option in discussions surrounding the Usmnt Vs Costa Rica National Football Team Lineups, as he continues to establish himself as one of the United States’ most reliable midfielders.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Matt Freese |
| Right Back | Alex Freeman |
| Centre Back | Chris Richards |
| Centre Back | Tim Ream (Captain) |
| Left Back | Max Arfsten |
| Defensive Midfielder | Tyler Adams |
| Central Midfielder | Luca de la Torre |
| Central Midfielder | Sebastian Berhalter |
| Attacking Midfielder | Malik Tillman |
| Winger | Diego Luna |
| Striker | Patrick Agyemang |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Keylor Navas |
| Right Back | Carlos Mora |
| Centre Back | Alexis Gamboa |
| Centre Back | Juan Pablo Vargas |
| Left Back | Francisco Calvo |
| Midfielder | Orlando Galo |
| Midfielder | Alejandro Bran |
| Midfielder | Brandon Aguilera |
| Forward | Kenneth Vargas |
| Forward | Alonso Martínez |
| Forward | Josimar Alcócer |
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Jun 2025 | CONCACAF Gold Cup QF | Minneapolis, USA | USA 2-2 Costa Rica (USA won 4-3 pens) | USA |
| 22 Jan 2025 | International Friendly | Orlando, USA | USA 3-0 Costa Rica | USA |
| 31 Mar 2022 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | San José | Costa Rica 2-0 USA | Costa Rica |
| 13 Oct 2021 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Columbus | USA 2-1 Costa Rica | USA |
| 9 Jun 2021 | CONCACAF Nations League Semifinal | Denver | USA 1-0 Costa Rica | USA |
| 1 Feb 2020 | International Friendly | Carson | USA 1-0 Costa Rica | USA |
| 2 Feb 2019 | International Friendly | San José | Costa Rica 2-0 USA | Costa Rica |
| 22 Aug 2018 | International Friendly | Harrison | USA 2-0 Costa Rica | USA |
| 1 Sep 2017 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Harrison | USA 0-2 Costa Rica | Costa Rica |
| 22 Nov 2016 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | San José | Costa Rica 4-0 USA | Costa Rica |
Midfielders Emeka Eneli and Indiana Vassilev
Chukwuemeka Somto “Emeka” Eneli, known simply as Emeka, is in his third season as a professional with Real Salt Lake. Playing as a defensive midfielder suits him perfectly, as his primary role is to win possession, shield the defense, and keep his team organized rather than score or provide assists.
His consistent performances earned him recognition as the 2024 MLS Rookie of the Year and Real Salt Lake’s MVP in his first professional season. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Biological Engineering, Emeka proved that the college pathway can still lead to success at the highest level of soccer. His impressive rise has also increased interest among fans following Usmnt Vs Costa Rica National Football Team Lineups, where emerging talents like Eneli continue to strengthen the U.S. national team.
Also Read :Usmnt Vs Guatemala National Football Team Lineups
