Goalkeeper Matt Freese was the hero as the United States defeated Costa Rica 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
After the match ended 2-2 in regulation time, the Harvard-educated New York City FC keeper made three crucial saves in the shootout, denying Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo, and Andy Rojas. His performance paved the way for 20-year-old substitute Damion Downs to score the decisive penalty, sending Mauricio Pochettino’s side into a semi-final clash against Guatemala at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
“Penalties are my thing,” Freese said after the match. “On the flight to Minnesota, I was studying their penalties, just in case. It was a full team effort — it shows the spirit and mentality of this group to bounce back from 1-0 and then handle the shootout like that.”
Costa Rica had taken an early lead in the 12th minute through Calvo’s penalty after Max Arfsten fouled Kenneth Vargas. The US missed a chance to equalise when Malik Tillman hit the post from the spot in the 35th minute, but they levelled just before halftime when Diego Luna’s deflected shot wrong-footed Keylor Navas.
The US took the lead early in the second half with Arfsten finishing a setup by Tillman, but Costa Rica equalised in the 71st minute through Alonso Martinez, who converted a rebound after Freese’s initial save. Martinez nearly won it for Costa Rica in the 85th minute, but his shot hit the post, forcing the game into penalties.
Freese’s composure and preparation proved decisive in the shootout, sending the USA through to face Guatemala, who had earlier upset Canada with a 6-5 penalty win after a 1-1 draw.
