USMNT Beat Costa Rica on Penalties to Reach Gold Cup Semifinals, Thrill Fans

The United States Men's National Team emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup on Sunday.

After both teams were tied 2-2 through 90 minutes of action, the USMNT secured a win with a penalty from Damion Downs.

U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese also stepped up late, recording three saves in the six-round shootout.

Fans and former players were impressed with the performance from the United States as the team advanced to the semifinals.

The United States was able to climb back from an early 1-0 deficit, as Costa Rica jumped out in front in the 12th minute with a penalty kick from Francisco Calvo following a tackle attempt from Max Arfsten.

Malik Tillman had an opportunity to tie the score with a penalty of his own in the 36th minute, although his shot ricocheted off the outside of the post.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino's squad put pressure on Costa Rica throughout the first half, and it finally paid off as a shot from Diego Luna found the back of the net off a deflection.

Arfsten made up for his first-half mistake in the 46th minute, scoring the first goal of his international career off a slick feed from Tillman to give the USMNT their first lead of the match.

The United States nearly jumped out to a 3-1 lead shortly afterwards, but a one-haded save from Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas kept his team within striking distance.

Costa Rica tied the contest once again, as Alonso Martinez scored after a shot from Carlos Mora was saved by Freese.

In penalties, the USMNT had a chance to win through five rounds until an attempt from John Tolkin was saved by Navas.

The U.S. squad ultimately came away with a win due to the late heroics of Downs and Freese. The USMNT held 63.8 percent of possession throughout the match and racked up 18 shot attempts, but only mustered four shots on goal.

Still, the Americans are moving on to face Guatemala in the semifinals as they look to capture their eighth Gold Cup.