US Advances to Semi-Finals in Gold Cup
In a thrilling match on Sunday night in Minneapolis, Damion Downs scored during the sixth round of penalties, leading the US to a 4-3 victory over Costa Rica after a 2-2 draw. This victory secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Gold Cup.
The US team will face Guatemala this Wednesday in St. Louis.
“They showed great character today,” US director Mauricio Pochettino remarked.
Mexico will compete against Honduras in the other semi-final on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, with the championship slated for July 6th in Houston.
The US has reached the semi-finals in 17 of the 18 Gold Cups, continuing a streak of 13 straight since they last faced a quarter-final against Colombia back in 2000.
Diego Luna and Max Alfsten both found the net during regulation against one of the toughest teams in the tournament, Costa Rica, ranked 54th and having cruised through the group stage with an impressive 8-1 goal difference.
In the 71st minute, Alonso Martinez leveled the score with a left-footed shot following a rebound set up by Carlos Mora, who skillfully maneuvered past defenders to create the chance.
Concacaf has adjusted the rules for this year’s edition of the biennial championship, eliminating extra time, which will only apply to the finals.
John Tolkien had the opportunity to clinch the shootout for the US against Keylor Navas, but it was Matt Freeze who shone, denying Andy Rojas with a spectacular diving save. He celebrated with enthusiasm, setting the stage for Downs to secure the win.
However, several notable US players, including Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun, and Sergiño Dest, were absent from the tournament due to various reasons ranging from injuries to club commitments.
On the Costa Rican side, they were missing key players as well. Forward Manfred Ugalde and midfielder Carlos Mora, who had scored three goals in the tournament, missed the match due to yellow card accumulations. Defender Ariel Lassiter and Warren Madrigal were sidelined because of injuries.
During the group stage, three of Costa Rica’s six goals came from penalty kicks. Francisco Calvo added another when he capitalized on a foul by Earthten, sending the ball out of reach of the diving Freeze.
With three goals so far, Marik Tillman made a significant contribution but missed a penalty attempt, which Navas saved. Luna then equalized with his first international goal just before halftime, taking advantage of a deflection off defender Alexis Gamboa.
Tillman redeemed himself early in the second half, charging in from the left and beautifully slotting the ball into the opposite corner, taking the lead for the US.
