Forward Converted Winning Penalty, Deserves His Shot in the Semifinal
Damion Downs' clutch penalty conversion against Costa Rica may have lasted only seconds. Still, it revealed the composure and killer instinct that should earn the 20-year-old striker a starting role in Wednesday's Gold Cup semifinal against Guatemala.
The FC Köln forward entered the match in the 78th minute with the USMNT trailing momentum, but immediately injected pace and directness into the attack. His darting run in the 86th minute showcased the electric speed that helped him score 13 goals in 42 appearances for Köln, including 10 goals and five assists during their title-winning campaign in Germany's second division.
While Downs couldn't convert that promising chance—likely due to nerves from the inexperienced forward—his movement and positioning demonstrated exactly what the USMNT has been missing in the final third. In just 12 minutes of action, he registered a shot attempt and showed the physical presence at 6'3" that can trouble any defense.
The defining moment came in the penalty shootout's climactic sixth round. With immense pressure and the tournament hanging in the balance, Downs stepped up and buried his spot kick with conviction into the bottom left corner. That confidence under pressure speaks to a striker's mentality that can't be taught. Southampton's reported €8 million bid for Downs this summer underscores his rising stock in European football. His goal-scoring rate of one every 164 minutes at club level, combined with his physical attributes and clinical finishing ability, makes him a natural fit for CONCACAF's physical style of play.
Against Guatemala, the USMNT needs a focal point who can hold up play, create space for others, and most importantly, finish chances. Downs' brief cameo against Costa Rica suggested he possesses all these qualities. Coach Mauricio Pochettino should reward his penalty heroics and tournament-saving moment with a starting opportunity, allowing the young striker to build on his breakthrough performance and potentially become the tournament's breakout star.
Midfielder Continues His Meteoric Rise With First International Goal
Diego Luna's first international goal against Costa Rica represented the culmination of a remarkable journey through the U.S. youth system and into the senior national team spotlight. The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake winger's 43rd-minute strike, rocketing off defender Alexis Gamboa's chest into the net, was both a moment of personal triumph and a testament to his perseverance in the face of adversity.
Luna's path to senior team stardom began with call-ups to U.S. under-14, under-17, and under-20 youth teams, where he consistently impressed coaches with his technical ability and work ethic. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he featured prominently in the United States U-20 team's CONCACAF championship victory, helping secure berths for both the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. At the U-20 World Cup, he led the team with three assists and scored once.
The transition to senior football brought challenges that tested Luna's commitment to the Stars and Stripes. After earning his first senior selection in January 2024, he faced a crossroads when considering a potential switch to Mexico. However, his dedication to representing the United States never wavered, and Mauricio Pochettino's faith in the young talent proved prescient. Luna's character was exemplified during a January 2025 friendly against Costa Rica, where he suffered a broken nose after being elbowed but returned to play through halftime with cotton in his nostrils, even providing an assist before seeking medical treatment.
Against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup quarterfinal, Luna delivered a complete performance over 83 minutes, completing 37 of 46 passes (80%) while creating three chances and registering three shots. His goal came from excellent positioning and clinical finishing, showing the composure that has made him a key player for both club and country. He now has four assists and that one goal in 10 seniors appearances.
The Two Nations Have a Rich Football History That Stalled Over the Last Decade
The United States and Guatemala's soccer rivalry spans nearly five decades, representing a fascinating tale of early struggles, growing dominance, and occasional surprises that reflects the broader evolution of American soccer.
The relationship began inauspiciously in September 1977, when Guatemala swept a two-match series against the fledgling U.S. program, winning 3-1 and 2-0. These defeats, along with a crushing 4-0 loss in 1984, established Guatemala as the superior side during American soccer's formative years. The pattern continued into 1988, when Guatemala won the first match of another series before the United States finally broke through with a 1-0 victory on January 13, 1988 – their first-ever win against Los Chapines.
That breakthrough marked a turning point in the rivalry. The U.S. subsequently dominated the series, going unbeaten in 21 consecutive matches from 1988 to 2016. This remarkable run coincided with the professionalization of American soccer. It included crucial victories in World Cup qualifying, Gold Cup tournaments, and the U.S. Cup. Notable triumphs included 3-0 wins in the 1991 Gold Cup group stage and the 1996 third-place playoff, as well as comprehensive victories, such as a 6-0 result in 2013 and multiple 4-0 results.
The 2016 World Cup qualifying cycle provided one of the most dramatic chapters in recent memory. Guatemala stunned the soccer world by defeating the United States 2-0 in Guatemala City on March 25, ending the United States' historic unbeaten streak. Poor defensive play led to goals from Rafael Morales and Carlos Ruiz, putting coach Jurgen Klinsmann under intense pressure. The Americans responded emphatically four days later in Columbus, delivering a commanding 4-0 victory that featured goals from Clint Dempsey, Geoff Cameron, Graham Zusi, and Jozy Altidore. That match also marked 17-year-old Christian Pulisic's debut, making him the youngest player ever to appear for the U.S. in World Cup qualifying.
Currently holding a 16-6-5 record against Guatemala, the United States enters Wednesday's semifinal as heavy favorites, though both teams understand that knockout tournament soccer can produce unexpected results.
After a Dramatic Shootout, Guatemala Advances at the Gold Cup
Guatemala has emerged as the Gold Cup's surprise semifinalist, reaching the final four for the first time since 1996, thanks to a combination of passionate fan support and tactical resilience under manager Luis Fernando Tena.
The Central American nation, ranked 106th by FIFA, opened their campaign with a statement victory over Jamaica in Los Angeles, where nearly 17,000 Guatemalan supporters created an electric atmosphere at Dignity Health Sports Park. Oscar Santis provided the decisive moment in that 1-0 triumph, starting and finishing a move in the 32nd minute to secure Guatemala's first victory over Jamaica since 2012.
Their path through Group C proved challenging, as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Panama in Austin before bouncing back with a crucial 3-2 victory over Guadeloupe in Houston. José Pinto and Olger Escobar gave Guatemala a two-goal cushion in that final group match, with Rubio Rubin adding insurance after Guadeloupe had pulled within one goal.
The quarterfinal against Canada represented Guatemala's biggest test and greatest triumph. Despite going behind to Jonathan David's penalty and facing a Canada side that had entered as tournament favorites, Los Chapines showed remarkable character. Playing against ten men after Jacob Shaffelburg's red card, they found their equalizer through Rubin's powerful header from an Oscar Santis cross in the 69th minute.
The penalty shootout showcased Guatemala's mental fortitude, with José Morales converting the decisive spot kick after Canada's Luc de Fougerolles struck the crossbar. Goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro proved crucial throughout, making key saves to keep his team's dreams alive.
Guatemala's success stems from strong tactical organization and the contributions of dual-national players like Rubin, a former U.S. international who switched allegiances in 2022. Their large diaspora community, particularly in Los Angeles, has provided unwavering support throughout their historic run. Now they face the ultimate test against the United States, carrying the hopes of a nation seeking its first World Cup appearance since their youth teams' recent successes.
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."
The Fullback Had a Hand in All Four Goals in Quarterfinal Match Against Costa Rica
Max Arfsten's performance against Costa Rica in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal epitomized the determination that defines American soccer. The 24-year-old Columbus Crew defender transformed what began as a nightmare into a career-defining moment, earning Player of the Match honors.
The Fresno native's evening started disastrously when his clumsy tackle in the 10th minute conceded a penalty that gave Costa Rica an early lead. Many expected him to be substituted at halftime, but Arfsten displayed the mental fortitude that has made him a standout in Major League Soccer. Rather than retreating, he seized control of the match at both ends of the pitch.
His redemption arc unfolded spectacularly. First, he delivered a pinpoint cross that assisted Diego Luna's equalizer in the 43rd minute, showcasing his attacking instincts with perfect accuracy on both crosses attempted. Then, just two minutes into the second half, Arfsten scored his first senior international goal, capitalizing on Malik Tillman's assist to put the USMNT ahead 2-1.
On Costa Rica's equalizer, he was beaten off the dribble by Carlos Mora, which led to the defender getting a clean shot on Matt Freese. The goalkeeper made the save, but the ball fell back to Mora, who found Alonso Martinez for the easy equalizer. Arfsten had a chance to intercept the pass from Mora to Martinez, but didn't make it in time.
Arfsten's journey from scapegoat to savior in 84 minutes reflects the broader narrative of American soccer's new generation. Under Mauricio Pochettino's guidance, young players like Arfsten are being trusted in crucial moments, and his response to adversity suggests a bright future for both player and program as they build toward the 2026 World Cup.
The Midfielder Was a Marked-Man From the Opening Whistle, Didn't Whittle Under the Pressure
Malik Tillman's performance against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals epitomized the mental fortitude that separates elite athletes from the rest. The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder transformed what could have been a crushing defeat into a masterclass in resilience, orchestrating the United States' comeback from the depths of despair.
The defining moment arrived in the 37th minute when Tillman's penalty attempt struck the left post, leaving him vulnerable to Costa Rican players who "screamed in my face," as he later recalled. Kenneth Vargas led the taunting, creating a CONCACAF-style confrontation that could have shattered a lesser player's confidence. Instead, Tillman made a crucial choice: he would respond rather than retreat.
"It was about lifting my head up," Tillman explained, embodying the philosophy he's developed through Champions League experience and overcoming serious injuries. Despite missing the penalty, Tillman became the match's most influential player, winning 13 duels (the most in the game) and being fouled six times as Costa Rica struggled to contain his persistent attacking threat.
Four minutes after his penalty miss, Tillman orchestrated the equalizer with a sweeping pass from deep midfield to release Max Arfsten down the left wing. The fullback's cross found Diego Luna for the equalizing goal, completely transforming the momentum. Early in the second half, Tillman struck again, skipping past two defenders before finding Arfsten for the go-ahead goal that put the Americans in front 2-1.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino recognized something special in Tillman's mentality throughout the roller-coaster encounter. When the penalty shootout arrived, Tillman didn't hesitate to step forward again. Pochettino's faith in giving him another opportunity from the spot proved prescient as Tillman buried his attempt in the bottom left corner – ironically, the same area where his first-half penalty had missed. The conversion gave the United States a 2-1 lead in the shootout, proving crucial in their eventual 4-3 victory.
The performance showcased everything that makes Tillman valuable to the national team program. In an era when questions persist about the mental toughness of the current generation of American players, Tillman provided a definitive answer through actions rather than words. As Bayer Leverkusen reportedly prepares to sign Tillman for a club-record fee between €35-40 million, his Gold Cup heroics serve as a reminder of his quality and character. On Sunday in Minneapolis, Tillman proved that the following action can bury the past beneath the weight of redemption.
On This Day in 2019, a Weston McKennie Header Was the Difference in the US's Narrow Victory Over Curaçao
Three days after Jozy Altidore's bicycle kick had punctuated a perfect group stage, the United States Men's National Team faced a different kind of test entirely. The quarterfinal against Curaçao at Lincoln Financial Field would not be about dominance or goal differentials, but about the more subtle art of championship football—grinding out results when the rhythm fails to flow and the opposition refuses to yield.
Gregg Berhalter's decision to return to his preferred starting eleven after the experimental lineup against Panama sent a clear message about the stakes ahead. The Americans had dominated their group stage opponents by a combined 11-0, but the knockout rounds demanded a different approach entirely. This was the first elimination match of the Berhalter era, the first genuine test of whether his methodical approach could translate to moments when failure meant elimination rather than just disappointment.
For Curaçao, the Caribbean island nation of 150,000, the quarterfinal represented something approaching the impossible made manifest. Having scraped through Group C with a second-place finish, aided by Honduras's emphatic victory over El Salvador in the final group stage matches, they arrived in Philadelphia with nothing to lose and everything to prove. The Dutch influence ran deep through their squad, with fourteen players born in the Netherlands, including captain Cuco Martina, who brought Eredivisie experience from his time at Feyenoord, and goalkeeper Eloy Room, who manned the posts for PSV Eindhoven.
The historical precedent suggested American dominance. The teams had met only twice before, during the 1985 CONCACAF Championship qualifying cycle when Curaçao still competed as part of the Netherlands Antilles. A scoreless draw in Willemstad had been followed by a comfortable 4-0 American victory in St. Louis. Still, those results from thirty-four years prior carried little relevance to the tactical battle that would unfold on this June 30 evening in Philadelphia. Berhalter's tactical approach reflected the lessons learned from the group stage. Christian Pulisic, wearing the captain's armband for just the second time in his international career, operated from his preferred wide position with license to drift inside and create. Weston McKennie anchored the midfield alongside Michael Bradley, while Gyasi Zardes continued his tournament-leading goal tally up front. The selection represented stability over rotation, experience over experimentation.
The early stages confirmed American superiority in the most emphatic terms possible. Pulisic, playing near his Pennsylvania hometown of Hershey, announced his intentions within the opening minutes with two chances that should have settled the contest before it truly began. His second-minute effort sailed just wide of Room's post, while his fourth-minute attempt brought out the best in the Curaçao goalkeeper, who somehow managed to tip the Chelsea midfielder's shot over the crossbar while falling to his left. These early chances established the pattern of American possession and territorial dominance meeting stubborn Caribbean resistance.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute through a moment of individual brilliance that perfectly encapsulated the emerging partnership between Pulisic and McKennie. The captain's movement infield created space along the flank before he delivered a cross that seemed to bend physics in its precision. McKennie, timing his run to perfection, rose unmarked at the back post to nod the ball past Room for his second international goal.
"He can take players on and he likes to cut in a lot and I like to make late runs into the box," McKennie would explain afterward, describing the telepathic understanding that had developed between the two young stars. "So we always tell each other whenever he cuts in, look for me at the back post or look for me inside the box, because I am going to run. It's a connection that we are developing and improving on, and hopefully in the next games it will be even better."
The goal represented more than just the opening of the scoring—it validated Berhalter's faith in youth while demonstrating the tactical sophistication his system could produce when executed properly. At 21 and 20 respectively, McKennie and Pulisic embodied the future of American soccer, yet they were already delivering results when the stakes demanded nothing less than victory. The lead, however, failed to produce the expected American avalanche. Curaçao's response revealed the character that had carried them through group stage adversity. Rather than retreat into defensive shells, they pushed forward with increasing confidence, matching the Americans for possession and creating genuine scoring opportunities that tested Zack Steffen's concentration and reflexes.
The second half belonged to the underdogs in ways that must have troubled Berhalter as he watched from the sidelines. Curaçao controlled sixty percent of possession, turning the tables on opponents who had grown accustomed to dictating play throughout the tournament. The Americans' usually crisp passing became labored, their movement predictable, their attacking intent blunted by an opponent that refused to be overwhelmed by reputation or rankings.
"Everything didn't flow as it did in the last few games offensively," Pulisic admitted after the match. "Today, if we score a few more goals early in that game, it's a completely different game. It opens up, and we're able to be much calmer. But they did a good job defending us."
The tactical battle intensified as the minutes ticked away, with Curaçao growing bolder in their attacks while the Americans struggled to find the clinical edge that had served them so well in the group stage. After McKennie's opener, the United States managed just two more shots on target for the entire match—a statistic that would have been unthinkable during their group stage demolitions. The moment that defined the evening's tension arrived in the 84th minute, when Leandro Bacuna's rising shot from outside the penalty area seemed destined for the top corner until Steffen produced a save that preserved both the lead and American dreams of defending their Gold Cup title. The goalkeeper's full-stretch dive, his fingertips barely deflecting the ball over the crossbar, represented the finest of margins between advancement and elimination.
For Berhalter, the narrow victory provided both relief and valuable lessons about the challenges ahead. The Americans had extended their Gold Cup winning streak to nine matches while reaching the semifinals for the tenth consecutive tournament, but the manner of the victory raised questions about their ability to handle more sophisticated opposition in the subsequent rounds.
"I think it's about speed, speed of movements," Berhalter analyzed, addressing the tactical adjustments needed moving forward. "Having the ability to turn their defenders, having the mentality to disorganize their defense, and get behind their defense. We could have been more aggressive with that tonight, for sure."
The victory preserved the Americans' perfect defensive record—twelve goals scored, none conceded through four matches—while setting up a semifinal showdown with Jamaica that would test different aspects of their tournament readiness. The Reggae Boyz represented familiar opposition, having met the United States in the knockout rounds of each of the previous two Gold Cups. Jamaica had upset the Americans in the 2015 semifinals before falling in the 2017 final, creating a rivalry that transcended regional politics to become genuinely competitive.
The quarterfinal against Curaçao had been survived rather than conquered, providing a reminder that tournament football rewards resilience as much as brilliance. For a team still finding its identity under Berhalter's guidance, the narrow victory represented both validation of their progress and a warning of the challenges ahead. The road to Gold Cup glory remained open, but it would require the Americans to discover reserves of character they had not yet been forced to access. In Nashville, Jamaica awaited—a test that would determine whether this generation of American players possessed the championship mentality to reclaim CONCACAF supremacy, or whether their group stage heroics would prove to be the tournament's high-water mark.
Three Penalty Shootout Save From Freese Lifts the US Past Costa Rica
The United States Men's National Team survived a dramatic penalty shootout against Costa Rica on Sunday, advancing to the Gold Cup semifinals with a 4-3 victory on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese emerged as the decisive figure, making three crucial saves in the shootout to deny Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo, and Andy Rojas. His heroics allowed 20-year-old striker Damion Downs to convert the winning penalty in the sixth round, sending the Americans through to face Guatemala in the semifinals.
The match began poorly for the United States when Max Arfsten conceded a penalty that Francisco Calvo converted in the 12th minute. The Americans struggled to find their equalizer despite earning a penalty of their own, with Malik Tillman's 37th-minute spot kick striking the post. However, Diego Luna leveled the score just before halftime with a deflected effort that found the net.
Arfsten redeemed himself early in the second half, scoring his first international goal in the 47th minute to put the Americans ahead 2-1. The lead proved short-lived as Costa Rica's Alonso Martinez equalized in the 71st minute, setting up the penalty drama that would follow.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's character and emphasized the valuable experience gained from navigating such a high-pressure situation. "I think it's good for this group of players to have this type of experience," Pochettino said, highlighting the importance of building tournament resilience.
The victory extends the USMNT's remarkable Gold Cup record, reaching the semifinals for the 17th time in 18 tournaments and maintaining their streak of 13 consecutive semifinal appearances since 2000. Despite missing key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Pochettino's alternate roster has shown improved cohesion and mental fortitude compared to their struggles earlier this year.
