Freese Was Nails

Goalkeeper Makes Three Penalty Saves in Shootout Win

Matt Freese's heroic penalty shootout performance against Costa Rica showcased the mental toughness and preparation that define elite goalkeeping. The 26-year-old New York City FC keeper delivered when it mattered most, making three crucial saves to propel the USMNT into the Gold Cup semifinals with a 4-3 shootout victory after a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Freese's shootout mastery wasn't accidental—it was the product of meticulous preparation and academic research. "I actually did a very long research project in college about penalty kicks," revealed the Harvard-educated goalkeeper. His systematic approach paid dividends as he saved attempts from Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo, and Andy Rojas, culminating in a theatrical tongue-out celebration toward his teammates.

The Pennsylvania native's mental fortitude was evident throughout the extended shootout. "After the first save, I went over to the corner, and I kept repeating to myself, 'I want another,'" he explained. This focus proved crucial as the shootout extended to six rounds, with Freese maintaining his concentration despite earlier disappointments. During regulation, Freese completed 90 minutes with solid fundamentals, making one save and completing 19-of-25 passes.

Freese's performance builds on his MLS playoff experience, where he previously saved three penalties in a nine-round shootout. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's faith in backing his goalkeeper after the Haiti mistake proved prescient, as Freese seized this opportunity to stake his claim as a legitimate World Cup contender, proving penalties are indeed "his thing."