As far as the snow game I have no problem with that. I don't think the USMNT scheduled Denver with Snow in mind. I think they did for the altitude(and the fans) like Klinsy said. they also knew that it could have been cold that time of the year so they were ok with it. I think that game in that location, that time of year, can do wonders to help them prep for Mexico City. When is the last time you can say that the MNT played a game a week before the Azteca in worse conditions at altitude? this cool night game at the azteca will be much better than the freezing snow with no visibility.
To back this I say look at Columbus. The reason they usually play there is location. There aren't as many mexican fans in this region of the united states. In those times the USA gets the early spring game against mexico in the USA and the ohio weather also is an advantage for the americans. if they were playing mexico in columbus now it would be very cold, snowy, and wet. that same storm that hit denver slammed about 6 inches of snow in Columbus over the last two days.
as far as costa rica, just look at the game. in the opening 20-30 mins the USA played their best portion of the game. The tide turned as the snow got worse and costa rica had their best chances of the equalizer in the worst conditions. I think the game leveled out once the snow went on. Obviously the USA wanted to finish with the lead and the game changed with costa rica deperate to push forward and the USA concentrating more on not making a mistake rather than trying to score.
