DeAndre Yedlin says the United States must take their chances in Tuesday's crucial meeting with Costa Rica in the Copa America Centenario.
Saturday's defeat to Colombia has left the United States facing a premature exit on home soil if they lose to the Central Americans, who drew 0-0 with Paraguay in their opening match.
Yedlin is expected to retain his place at right-back in Chicago and the 22-year-old will be tasked with shackling Costa Rica's key-man Joel Campbell and providing attacking thrust.
The Tottenham Hotspur player is aware that Los Ticos are solid at the back and says the United States must be clinical in the final third.
"First and foremost my obligation is on the defensive side," Yedlin told Sporting News. "But obviously there are times when I need to go and attack, too.
"They're an aggressive team and they're good defensively. They play with five in the back so it's tough to break them down, but I think we can attack well. We hope to play a little better in the final third and finish our chances. We need to get our crosses in and apply some pressure."
Despite being outclassed in the 2-0 group stage defeat to Colombia in Santa Clara, Yedlin was encouraged by the United States' defensive performance.
"Last game, I don't think we played bad defensively by any means," he said. "We gave up two goals, but they weren't in open play, so I think it shows how we are improving on defense."