How the USMNT Matured in a 'Priceless' Opportunity in Gold Cup Quarterfinal

As the U.S. Men’s National Team headed to penalty kicks against Costa Rica, head coach Mauricio Pochettino paused before addressing the team. He looked back and called the rest of the bench to join the huddle.

He needed everyone present to hear his message. The U.S. head coach didn’t give an impassioned speech. In fact, Pochettino’s message was quite simple: he had confidence in his players.

Pochettino said he felt relaxed during the shootout. He knew a moment like this was a “priceless” opportunity for this team to show its character.

And it was. The USA captured the comeback quarterfinal victory 4-3 on PKs, as goalkeeper Matt Freese put on a heroic performance, in just his fifth cap, and made three saves to seal the win.

“I just got to be ready for whatever game I get, whatever moment is there for me,” Freese said. “[Pochettino’s] shown a lot of faith in me, and that's something I'm really grateful for. It's my job to repay him and help the team win.”

The USMNT conceded a penalty kick early in the match as Francisco Calvo netted the first goal for Costa Rica in the 12th minute. Freese got a hand on it but wasn’t able to thwart the score. However, when Calvo stepped up to the spot in the shootout, Freese made a crucial block.

That was the story of the gritty quarterfinal win; the USMNT matured in real-time in a match that tested them. After the U.S. trailed for the first time in the tournament, they found the equalizer, and when Costa Rica fought back to take the game to penalties, the U.S. prevailed.

“I think it's an American mentality, for one. Things may not go your way, adversity may strike, but how will you react to it?” Midfielder Max Arfsten said. “... We all know we have each other's backs, and no matter what happens on the field, you just have to bounce back.”

Early in the match, Arfsten brought down an opponent inside the box, which led to the early PK goal from Costa Rica, but the midfielder still wanted to make his mark on the game and redeem himself. He did so with contributions on both U.S. goals — an assist to Diego Luna and a goal of his own.

Like Arfsten, midfielder Malik Tillman didn’t let a misstep affect his focus. Tillman missed a penalty kick off the side of the post that could have been the equalizer in the first half. Later, Tillman assisted Arfsten on a beautifully-timed pass, then buried his penalty in the shootout past a talented Costa Rican legendary 'keeper, Keylor Navas. Navas, with three UEFA Champions League titles, is no stranger to a big moment, but the USA overcame that experience gap.

Midfielder Tyler Adams, one of the few players on the roster from the 2022 World Cup team, said after the match that this win was a cornerstone moment.

"I think everyone on our team has that mentality, but there’s going to be certain situations where you’re tested,” Adams said. “You can see it in training, you can see it in some games when games are easy, but it’s when [it] gets hard if you’re going to step up to the plate, and tonight a lot of guys did.”

The Americans came into the tournament as a rather inexperienced team with an average 16 caps and many players making their Gold Cup debut — including Tillman, Freese and Arfsten. This group has been together for almost a full month, dating back to the June friendlies. In that window, the USMNT learned from two tough losses to formidable UEFA opponents, Türkiye and Switzerland.

Luna, who scored the USA equalizer against Costa Rica, said players have developed a bond and chemistry that’s allowed them to grow together and take on the challenge of winning an elimination match. That bond was on full display after the match when players walked out of the locker room all smiles and blasting music, serenading their walk down the hallway at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Full of confidence and chemistry, the USMNT moves on to the next Gold Cup Semifinals against Guatemala.