In a thrilling Gold Cup quarterfinal, U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese made three crucial saves in a shootout, leading his team to a 4-3 victory against Costa Rica after a 2-2 draw in regulation. Freese, well-prepared and having studied penalties extensively, credited his goalkeeper coach for his successful strategies during the shootout. U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino praised the team's resilience in overcoming a 1-0 deficit and recovering from a missed penalty. This experience is deemed vital for the young team as they progress in the tournament.
Penalties are my thing. On the plane ride over to Minnesota, I was studying the penalties. I've been studying them all week and was ready for it.
I'm so happy, so pleased for them. They showed today, great character; it's priceless to have this type of experience in a big tournament.
We get the penalty, we miss a penalty, and then the team keeps going and believes in the way to play.
Freese made three saves in the shootout to help the USMNT secure its semifinal spot, thanks to a game-winning shot from Damian Downs.
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