USMNT Advances to Gold Cup Semifinals After Penalty Shootout Win Over Costa Rica

The United States men’s national team (USMNT) advanced to the Gold Cup semifinals after defeating Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese emerged as USMNT’s hero by saving three Costa Rican penalties — including the decisive attempt from Juan Rojas that set up Damion Downs to convert the winning penalty.

The match was filled with dramatic momentum shifts. Max Arfsten experienced a mixed evening — conceding a penalty, providing an assist for Diego Luna’s goal, scoring his first international goal, but also making a mistake leading to Costa Rica’s second goal.

“I think we showed great character,” said USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino. “We conceded a penalty, got a penalty, missed a penalty, but the team kept going and believing in our way to play.”

USMNT will face Guatemala — who surprised by defeating Canada — in the semifinal round. This victory provides valuable experience for the young American squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins in less than a year.