The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has secured a spot in the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals after a tense 3-2 victory on penalties against Costa Rica. The match, held Sunday night, ended 2-2 after regulation and extra time, culminating in a dramatic shootout that showcased goalkeeper Matt Freese’s brilliance and composure under pressure.
Freese emerged as the standout performer, making three pivotal saves in the shootout before Damion Downs sealed the victory in the sixth round, sending the American side into the next stage of the tournament.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter’s squad entered the match riding the momentum of a dominant 6-1 win over Martinique in the group stage. Costa Rica, aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Canada, proved a formidable opponent from the opening whistle.
The USMNT took control early, with Bryan Reynolds opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Joel Campbell equalized for Costa Rica just twelve minutes later with a stunning finish that reignited the contest. Both sides continued to press, and the second half delivered more drama. Gianluca Busio restored the lead for the U.S. in the 63rd minute, but Costa Rica struck back once again — this time through Francisco Calvo in the 82nd minute — forcing the match into extra time.
Despite end-to-end intensity, extra time produced no goals, setting the stage for a high-stakes shootout. Freese, displaying nerves of steel, denied three Costa Rican attempts, keeping U.S. hopes alive before Downs confidently converted the final penalty.
This win places the USMNT one step closer to a potential seventh Gold Cup title. Their semifinal opponent will be determined between Jamaica and Suriname, with the championship match looming on the horizon.
As host cities across the United States continue to draw passionate crowds, the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup has delivered an electrifying mix of late goals, major upsets, and unforgettable moments. The USMNT’s resilience against Costa Rica reinforces their status as strong contenders in a tournament marked by unpredictability and fierce competition.