Matt Freese Sums Up USMNT Penalty Heroics With 4-Word Message

After concerns about a mistake he made in the previous USMNT game in the Gold Cup, Matthew Freese became the hero for Team USA. The NYCFC goalkeeper has made three crucial saves in the penalty shootout against Costa Rica.

Matt Freese answered those concerns with a superb performance that keeps the USMNT in the Gold Cup. Mauricio Pochettino's choice to select him as the main goalkeeper for the national team in this tournament has prevailed. 

The 26-year-old goalkeeper spoke about his incredible display of goalkeeping after the game and mentioned that he was a step ahead when preparing for penalties.

Freese's words bring confidence to himself and the USMNT fans who hope to continue seeing top performances from him. The FIFA World Cup is less than a year away, and Freese has given a performance that can assure him a spot in the final roster.

Matt Freese on three penalty saves

After the USMNT's penalty shootout win over Costa Rica, Freese took the time to explain how he approached penalties. Freese mentions that he was well prepared to save penalties and gives an insight into how he made the three saves.

One penalty save that was brave to make was the second one when he stood in the middle. Freese thanks his goalkeeping coach, who gave him the suggestion to make that unique save.

USMNT 2-2 Costa Rica (4-3 pens)

The USMNT had a poor start to the game against Costa Rica as Max Arfsten conceded a penalty by fouling Kenneth Vargas. Costa Rica took the lead in the 12th minute as Francisco Calvo scored from the spot.

The USMNT had a penalty given after Malik Tillman was brought down with a late challenge. The PSV star missed the penalty as his shot hit the post. 

Team USA did find an equalizer before halftime as Diego Luna’s deflected shot in the 43rd minute went past Keylor Navas.

In the second half, Team USA took the lead as Argsten slotted the ball past Navas from the left side. The USMNT started the second half electric, but Costa Rica scored again.

In the 71st minute, a great play from Carlos Mora led to a 2-2 equalizer scored by Alonso Martinez.

Matt Freese was the hero for the USMNT after his mistake in the previous game against Haiti. The NYCFC keeper made three saves in the penalty shootout that led the USMNT to a 4-3 victory on penalties.

This is the USMNT's 13th straight Gold Cup semifinal. They will take on Guatemala on July 2 at Energizer Park. Meanwhile, Mexico will take on Honduras in the other semifinal.