USMNT keeper saves 3 in Gold Cup win over Costa Rica - ESPN

United States goalkeeper Matt Freese said he was well prepared and had studied up for penalties after providing three saves in a dramatic 4-3 shootout win over Costa Rica in Sunday's Gold Cup quarterfinal.

«Penalties are my thing,» Freese said after the knockout round match went to a shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation. "[On] the plane ride over here to Minnesota. I was studying the penalties. I've been studying them all week and was ready for it if we needed it, and the one that I didn't move on [was a] suggestion from my goalkeeper coach Toni Jimenez."

The quarterfinal was a back and forth clash at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, that initially saw the Americans go down 1-0 after a 12th minute goal from Costa Rica's Francisco Calvo. The USMNT responded with goals from Diego Luna and Max Arfsten, before allowing a late equalizer from Costa Rica's Alonso Martínez that sent the match to penalties.

«I'm so happy, so pleased for them. They showed today, great character, I think it's good for this group of player to have this type of experience,» said U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino after the game. «It's priceless, because that is the reality when you're in a big tournament, that thing can happen, and it's important that they start to build the experience together.»

Pochettino also praised the «amazing» response for the side that not only dealt with going down 1-0 early on, but also had a missed 37th minute penalty from Malik Tillman.

«We get the penalty, we miss a penalty, and then the team keep going and keep believing in the way to play,» Pochettino added.

Freese, who was earning just his fifth international cap, made three saves in the shootout to help the USMNT secure its spot in the semifinal thanks to a