USMNT Battles Past Costa Rica in Thrilling Penalty Shootout to Secure Gold Cup Semifinal Spot After 2-2 Draw

The United States men's soccer team secured their place in the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals through a thrilling encounter on Sunday evening, defeating Costa Rica via penalty shootout in what proved to be a nail-biting quarterfinal clash.

Matt Freese, the New York City FC shot-stopper, emerged as the hero by denying three Costa Rican penalties during the decisive shootout, while Damion Downs converted the crucial winning spot-kick for the Americans following a 2–2 deadlock after regulation time.

The Central Americans drew first blood in the contest when Francisco Calvo successfully converted from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, maintaining their advantage until Diego Luna restored parity for the United States with a 43rd-minute equalizer.

After the interval, the Stars and Stripes took their maiden lead of the evening through Max Arfsten, who netted his debut international strike in the 49th minute. Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino's squad relinquished their advantage in the 71st minute when Alonso Martinez, Freese's club teammate at NYCFC, registered his second tournament goal.

Without extra time being played, the fixture proceeded directly to a penalty shootout, where the USMNT triumphed and secured their semifinal berth against Guatemala, the world's 106th-ranked nation, which had earlier upset 30th-ranked Canada.

USMNT Player Ratings vs. Costa Rica (4-2-3-1)

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Costa Rica Player Ratings vs. USMNT (4-2-3-1)

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