In a dramatic turn of events at U.S. Bank Stadium, the United States Men’s National Team secured a thrilling victory over Costa Rica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Matt Freese emerged as the undeniable hero, making three crucial saves in a penalty shootout that saw the USMNT prevail 4-3 after the match ended in a 2-2 draw. This hard-fought win propels the Americans into the semifinals and highlighted Freese’s preparedness and composure under immense pressure.
The quarterfinal clash proved to be a back-and-forth battle from the outset. Costa Rica struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. Their goal came from the penalty spot, converted by Francisco Calvo following a foul by US defender Max Arfsten. The USMNT, fielding a squad featuring several younger players and missing key regulars due to various reasons, responded before halftime. Diego Luna netted his first international goal in the 43rd minute, leveling the score and injecting momentum into the American side.
The momentum carried into the second half. Max Arfsten, seeking redemption for the early penalty, scored in the 56th minute to give the US a 2-1 advantage. His goal came after an attacking move involving Malik Tillman, who had unfortunately missed a penalty opportunity for the US earlier in the first half that struck the post. Despite holding the lead, the US couldn’t close out the match in regulation. Costa Rica found an equalizer in the 71st minute via Alonso Martínez, after a sequence initiated by Carlos Mora led to a rebound off Freese. The match remained tied at 2-2, forcing the contest directly into a penalty shootout, a notable rule change for this Gold Cup edition where extra time is bypassed before the final.
Freese’s Penalty Heroics Under the Spotlight
The tension was palpable as the match moved to penalties. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who had started all previous Gold Cup games, stepped into the spotlight. Facing a skilled Costa Rican side, Freese demonstrated incredible focus and technique. He successfully stopped attempts from Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo (making up for the earlier penalty), and Andy Rojas. These three critical saves shifted the advantage to the United States throughout the shootout.
Reflecting on his performance, Freese exuded confidence, stating, “Penalties are my thing.” He attributed his success to extensive preparation. He detailed how he studied Costa Rica’s penalty takers on the flight to Minneapolis and continued his research throughout the week leading up to the match. This deep dive wasn’t just a recent habit; Freese has a background in statistical analysis, revealing he conducted a “very long research project in college about penalty kicks.” This academic approach clearly informs his ability to read shooters and anticipate their movements. He gave credit to his goalkeeper coach, Toni Jimenez, for specific insights. Despite some misses on the US side during the shootout, including a potential game-winner saved by Keylor Navas, Freese’s subsequent saves kept the team alive. Substitute Damion Downs ultimately scored the decisive sixth-round penalty, securing the 4-3 shootout victory.
Coach Pochettino on Goalkeeping Depth
Following the dramatic win, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino praised his team’s resilience. He highlighted the character shown by the squad, particularly after going down early and missing a penalty. “They showed today great character,” Pochettino commented, emphasizing the priceless experience gained by the group in a high-stakes tournament match.
Pochettino also addressed the goalkeeper situation, a topic of much discussion surrounding the team. While commending Freese’s heroic performance, he acknowledged the depth in the position, specifically mentioning Matt Turner, who was previously the presumptive starter but saw limited club playing time leading up to the tournament. Pochettino noted Turner’s experience, particularly his role in the 2022 World Cup. However, he explained that the Gold Cup provided an opportunity to evaluate other keepers like Freese who needed significant international minutes after less action at the club level. Pochettino stressed that the competition for the starting spot leading up to the 2026 World Cup remains wide open, viewing the Gold Cup as a crucial testing ground for players to prove they can handle the pressure of major tournaments.
Gold Cup Context and What’s Next
The victory over Costa Rica marks the USMNT’s 17th appearance in the Gold Cup semifinals and an impressive 13th consecutive time reaching this stage since 2000. This win came against their highest-ranked opponent so far in the tournament, in a match where both sides were missing key players. The US squad in this tournament is notably different from the full-strength roster, with players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Folarin Balogun unavailable due to injury, rest, or other commitments. Costa Rica also faced absences due to suspensions and injuries.
The USMNT’s next challenge in the semifinals is against Guatemala. Guatemala advanced by pulling off an upset against Canada in their own quarterfinal match, also won via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The semifinal clash is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2nd, at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The winner will face either Mexico or Honduras in the final. The Gold Cup continues to provide intense knockout-round action, showcasing the depth and character of the remaining teams, with the US particularly relying on the heroics of individuals like Matt Freese to navigate the path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the USMNT vs Costa Rica Gold Cup quarterfinal?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw after regulation time. The United States won the subsequent penalty shootout 4-3 in six rounds, securing their advancement to the semifinals.
How many penalties did Matt Freese save in the shootout?
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese saved three penalties during the shootout against Costa Rica. He stopped attempts from Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo, and Andy Rojas, playing a decisive role in the 4-3 victory.
What did Matt Freese say about his penalty saving ability?
After the match, Matt Freese confidently stated, “Penalties are my thing.” He explained that his success came from extensive preparation, including studying opponents’ tendencies on the flight to the game and relying on research he conducted in college about penalty kicks.
Conclusion
The USMNT’s dramatic penalty shootout win against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals will be remembered for Matt Freese’s standout performance. His three vital saves not only sent the United States to the semifinals but also underscored his readiness for the big moments. While coach Pochettino keeps the goalkeeper position competitive, Freese’s heroics, backed by meticulous preparation, make a compelling case for his future with the national team. The team now turns its focus to the semifinal challenge against Guatemala, aiming to continue their deep run in the tournament.
