USA Advances to Gold Cup Semifinals After Penalty Shootout Victory

The United States national team advanced to the Gold Cup semifinals after defeating Costa Rica on penalties 4-3 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis — a match that ended 2-2 in regular time.

Costa Rica took the lead through Francisco Calvo’s penalty following a foul by Max Arfsten. Mauricio Pochettino’s side failed to equalize when Malik Tillman wasted their penalty opportunity.

Diego Luna leveled the score before halftime, followed by Arfsten’s goal that put the United States ahead — but Alonso Martínez forced the game into penalties.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese emerged as the hero with three brilliant saves, setting up Damion Downs to convert the winning penalty.

“The most important action is the next one,” said Pochettino while commenting on his team’s ability to bounce back from adversity.

The United States will now face Guatemala in the semifinals — continuing their consistent record of reaching the final four in the last 13 Gold Cup editions.