The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) survived a dramatic Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal match against Costa Rica, ultimately advancing to the semifinals after a penalty shootout. The match, held on June 29, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, saw the USMNT win 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
The USMNT will face Guatemala in the semifinal on Wednesday, July 2, at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The winner will advance to the Gold Cup Final, scheduled for July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Match Summary
Costa Rica took an early lead in the 12th minute after Max Arfsten conceded a penalty. Francisco Calvo converted the spot-kick, beating USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese, who got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. The USMNT had a chance to equalize in the 30th minute when Malik Tillman was fouled in the box, but Tillman's penalty hit the post. Just before halftime, Diego Luna scored his first international goal to level the score.
The USMNT took the lead early in the second half when Arfsten scored in the 47th minute. However, Costa Rica equalized in the 71st minute through Alonso Martínez. With the score tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, the match went straight to penalties.
Penalty Shootout
Matt Freese proved to be the hero for the USMNT, saving three penalties. Tyler Adams, and Malik Tillman successfully converted their penalties. Sebastian Berhalter missed his penalty kick, sending his attempt over the net. With the USMNT needing a goal to win, Damion Downs stepped up and buried his penalty, sending the USMNT to the semifinals.
Matt Freese's Heroics
Matt Freese's performance in the penalty shootout was crucial for the USMNT. He guessed the right direction on all six shots he faced and saved three of them. Freese credited his preparation and his goalkeeping coach, Tony Jimenez, for his success. "Penalties are my thing," Freese said after the game. "I've been studying them all week and was ready for it if we needed it".
Team Composition
The USMNT starting XI against Costa Rica was:
Mauricio Pochettino made three changes to the starting XI that faced Haiti, inserting Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter, and Diego Luna. Seven starters were 25 years of age or younger.
USMNT's Gold Cup History
The USMNT has now advanced to the Gold Cup semifinals for the 17th time in 18 editions of the tournament. They are chasing their eighth Gold Cup title and first since 2021. The USMNT is 20W-17L-7D all-time against Costa Rica and is 8W-0L-1D against Los Ticos in the Concacaf Gold Cup. The USMNT is 6W-5L in 11 all-time penalty kick shootouts.
