Matt Freese becomes penalty hero as USA advances to Gold Cup semifinals

Goalkeeper Matt Freese delivered a stellar performance with three penalty saves to help the United States defeat Costa Rica 4-3 in shootout at the Gold Cup quarterfinals.

The match at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis was intense and ended 2-2 — Francisco Calvo opened scoring for Costa Rica before Diego Luna and Max Arfsten turned things around for USA, but Alonso Martínez equalized late in the game.

“Penalties are my thing. I’ve been studying their penalties all week and was ready for it,” said Freese after the match.

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team’s character after recovering from early deficit and missed penalty by Malik Tillman in first half. He also addressed goalkeeper competition with Matt Turner — USA’s main keeper at 2022 World Cup.

USA will face Guatemala in semifinals at Energizer Park, St. Louis next Wednesday.