FTLOS HQ | The USMNT escaped U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis with a dramatic 3-2 victory on penalties over a determined Costa Rica side, punching their ticket to the Gold Cup semifinals. The nervy result came just hours after pre-tournament favorites Canada were bounced by Guatemala—also on penalties—blowing the bracket wide open.
As the saying goes: survive and advance. In tournament play, that’s all that matters.
Settling in after rocky start
The match got off to a rocky start for the U.S. when left back Max Arfsten committed an early foul inside the box, allowing Costa Rica’s Francisco Calvo to bury the opening penalty in the 12th minute.
Malik Tillman earned the U.S. a chance to equalize shortly after but failed to convert, striking the left post from the spot.
Just before halftime, fan-favorite Diego Luna provided the moment the U.S. needed—calmly controlling a pass near the top of the box before seeing his deflected shot sneak past Costa Rican legend Keylor Navas to level things at 1-1.
Quick strike
The U.S. came out strong after the break, with Arfsten redeeming himself by finishing at the far post off a clever setup from Tillman to give the Americans a 2-1 lead.
But Costa Rica wasn’t done yet. Late in the match, a rebound spilled by U.S. keeper Matt Freese was pounced on, and the Ticos found the equalizer to send the game into penalties.
Freese to the rescue
From there, Freese turned hero. The U.S. shot-stopper denied three Costa Rican attempts from the spot, sealing a gutsy—and admittedly chaotic—win for the red, white, and blue.
While the victory showed grit and attacking promise, questions still remain. The U.S. lacked polish in key moments, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup choices continue to raise eyebrows among fans.
That said, the journey continues. The USMNT is headed to the Gold Cup semifinals—and in tournament soccer, that’s all that matters.
Here are my player ratings:
Matt Freese (GK): 7.5
Max Arfsten (LB): 3
Alex Freeman (RB): 4.5
Tim Ream (CB): 5
Chris Richards (CB): 7.0
Malik Tillman (MF): 7.5
Luca de la Torre (MF): 4.5
Tyler Adams (MF): 5
Diego Luna (MF): 7.5
Sebastian Berhalter (MF): 4.5
Patrick Agyemang (F): 3.5
Subs:
John Tolkin (LB): 5.5
Damion Downs (F): 6
Jack McGlynn (MF): 5
Brian White (F): 5
Manager:
Mauricio Pochettino: 5
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