The United States men’s national soccer team defeated Costa Rica in a tense Gold Cup quarterfinal match, clinching victory in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese emerged as the hero with decisive saves that sealed the win and advanced the US to the semifinals.

Costa Rica's players and coaching staff expressed disappointment at the narrow loss but praised their squad’s effort in pushing one of the tournament favorites to the limit.