United States head coach Bruce Arena says it's unlikely his side will catch Mexico atop the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying table, and has circled the U.S.'s upcoming match with Costa Rica as "critically important" for their hopes of playing in Russia next summer.
Arena has led a U.S. turnaround in the table since taking over for Jurgen Klinsmann in November, defeating Trinidad & Tobago and drawing at Mexico to strengthen the country's World Cup bid.
The four points saw the U.S. rise to third in the CONCACAF table, six points behind leaders Mexico, and Arena believes the gap may be too far to close.
"There's a little bit more, but there's not a whole lot. It's a pretty tight race at this point, and I don't think we have any interest in finishing fourth," Arena told U.S. Soccer.
"Our goal is second or third place, because I think Mexico is far ahead and it's unlikely we can catch them. We can be second or third and I don't really care which way we end up, but we certainly don't want to be in fourth.
The United States' next qualifier is on Sep. 1 against the second-placed Costa Ricans at home. Arena insists the match is critical to achieving the team's goal of finishing in the top three.
"Stepping away from this camp, we recognize the home game against Costa Rica on Sept. 1 is critically important to making sure we finish in the top three," he said.