The U.S' decision to try and gain an advantage over the Central Americans by playing in a cold climate and at altitude, looked in danger of back-firing and causing a major logistical headache but despite the snow blowing for 90 minutes, the game was able to be finished.
The Costa Ricans, though, were furious at the end of the game with their head coach Jorge Luis Pinto saying it was an "embarrassment to football" that the referee allowed the game to be played in such conditions.
Costa Rican officials said their federation would protest to FIFA about the referee's decision to continue with play in heavy snowfall.
The three points were vital for Jurgen Klinsmann's team after they lost their opening game of the qualifiers last month to Honduras and the German was delighted with the character his team showed in a blizzard.
"It was a snow battle," said Klinsmann, "We started really well, in the second half it was really a battle for second balls, for both teams it was tough to create a good passing game or chances," added the former Germany striker and coach.
"Overall it was great character shown by the team, they fought for every ball and did everything they could to adjust to those conditions," he added.
The Texan forward went close with a long-range effort moments before he put Klinsmann's team in front.
The Central Americans enjoyed the greater pressure throughout the final stages of the game but the U.S' makeshift defense held firm to claim the three points and a major morale boost.
