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Matt Freese Shined in His Shootout Moment, and the Americans Are Moving Onto the Gold Cup Semifinals

In Minneapolis on June 29, the USMNT secured a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica after a 2-2 draw, with Freese making three saves to advance to the semifinals.
In a tied 2-2 match at full time, extra time was eliminated by Gold Cup rule changes, leading to penalties after goals from Luna, Arfsten, Calvo, and Martínez.
Freese made three saves from Vargas, Calvo, and Rojas, then Downs scored the winning penalty, quoting 'Penalties are my thing' to seal the USMNT’s advance.
Next up, the USMNT faces Guatemala on Wednesday at Energiser Park, keeping title hopes alive and boosting team morale.
Beyond this victory, the USMNT's progression boosts 2026 World Cup co-host hopes, ignites fan passion, and positions them as top favorites in the semifinal against Guatemala.

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61 Articles

The Washington Post

Lean Left

His family is ‘a lot of science, a lot of academia.’ You can catch him at the Gold Cup.

Matt Freese’s upbringing helped shape his soccer career, though not because he came from a soccer family.

29 days ago

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Helena Independent Record

Center

Freese shines in shootout for US in Gold Cup quarterfinals

MINNEAPOLIS — After losing a second-half lead to Costa Rica, this young U.S. side was forced into a shootout with the daunting task of facing goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

30 days ago·Helena, United States

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Montana Standard

Center

Freese shines in shootout for US in Gold Cup quarters

MINNEAPOLIS — After losing a second-half lead to Costa Rica, this young U.S. side was forced into a shootout with the daunting task of facing goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

30 days ago

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La Nación, Grupo Nación

Lean Right

The Secret of Penalties Failed by the Costa Rican Selection: Even a Harvard Study Had to See

Matt Freese was an unknown name for the Costa Rican football atmosphere. However, after the elimination of Costa Rica in the Gold Cup, the American archer is remembered as the main responsible for the National Selection not reaching the semifinals.Freese managed to stop three launches in the prison round: first Juan Pablo Vargas, then Francisco Calvo and, finally, Andy Rojas.However, behind the performance shown by Freese there is a story and an…

1 month ago

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LancasterOnline

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Center

Matt Freese Shines on Penalties as the United States Advances to the Gold Cup Semifinals.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — After losing a second-half lead against Costa Rica, this young U.S. team was forced into a penalty shootout with the arduous task of facing goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

1 month ago·Lancaster, United States

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