The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals delivered one of the most dramatic fixtures of the tournament, as the USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team clash at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis produced two hours of edge-of-your-seat football, two second-half leads, a stunning equalizer, and ultimately a penalty shootout that required a heroic performance from goalkeeper Matt Freese to settle.
For American soccer fans preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, this match was about far more than just a tournament win. It was a litmus test — a chance to see how Mauricio Pochettino’s young, exciting squad handles adversity against one of CONCACAF’s most battle-hardened nations. And the answer was emphatic: with composure, resilience, and individual brilliance, the USMNT marched into the semifinals.
Whether you’re searching for the USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups, the final score, or a tactical breakdown of how the USA turned a 1–0 deficit into a shootout victory, this is the complete guide.
Disclaimer: All statistics, match results, team lineups, and historical data are accurate as of now to the best of our knowledge and may change over time. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not represent any official federation or team.
Match Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | USMNT vs Costa Rica |
| Competition | 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup — Quarterfinal |
| Date | June 29, 2025 |
| Venue | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN |
| Attendance | 32,289 |
| Score (90 min) | USA 2–2 CRC |
| Winner (Penalties) | USA 4–3 CRC |
| Man of the Match | Matt Freese (GK, USA) |
| USMNT Coach | Mauricio Pochettino |
| Costa Rica Coach | Miguel Herrera |
| Goals | Calvo (12′), Luna (43′), Arfsten (47′), Martínez (71′) |
| Next Round | USMNT vs Guatemala — July 2, St. Louis |
Playing as winners of Group D, the USMNT arrived in Minneapolis undefeated, having beaten Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti in the group stage while conceding just one goal in three games. Costa Rica, meanwhile, qualified second from Group A with wins over Suriname and Dominican Republic, plus a goalless draw against Mexico — the group winners.
The game, played indoors at U.S. Bank Stadium on June 29, 2025, kicked off at 7:00 p.m. ET in front of an attendance of 32,289 fans.
Pochettino made three changes from the lineup that defeated Haiti, bringing in Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter, and Diego Luna. Seven of the eleven starters were 25 years old or younger, yet the squad averaged 21 international caps each — a sign of a team developing fast ahead of the World Cup.
USMNT vs Costa Rica National Football Team Lineups
USMNT Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
| # | Player | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Matt Freese | Goalkeeper | Man of the Match |
| 16 | Alex Freeman | Right Back | |
| 3 | Chris Richards | Centre Back | Booked (38′) |
| 13 | Tim Ream (C) | Centre Back | 19th time as captain |
| 18 | Max Arfsten | Left Back | Goal (47′), Assist (43′) |
| 4 | Tyler Adams | Defensive Mid | PK scorer |
| 14 | Luca de la Torre | Defensive Mid | Sub off (78′) |
| 8 | Sebastian Berhalter | Attacking Mid | |
| 17 | Malik Tillman | Attacking Mid | Assist (47′) |
| 10 | Diego Luna | Attacking Mid | Goal (43′) |
| 24 | Patrick Agyemang | Striker | Sub off (90′) |
USMNT Substitutes Used:
| # | Player | Came On | Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Damion Downs | 78′ | Luca de la Torre |
| 6 | Jack McGlynn | 83′ | Diego Luna |
| 2 | John Tolkin | 84′ | Max Arfsten |
| 23 | Brian White | 90′ | Patrick Agyemang |
Unused Substitutes: Matt Turner, Walker Zimmerman, Quinn Sullivan, Brenden Aaronson, Miles Robinson, Nathan Harriel, Paxten Aaronson, Mark McKenzie
Head Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Costa Rica Starting XI (4-3-3)
| # | Player | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keylor Navas (C) | Goalkeeper | |
| 15 | Francisco Calvo | Defender | Goal (12′), PK saved |
| 4 | Juan Vargas | Defender | Booked (35′), Sub off (58′) |
| 6 | Alexis Gamboa | Defender | |
| 16 | Alejandro Bran | Midfielder | Sub off (74′) |
| 22 | Carlos Mora | Midfielder | Assist (71′) |
| 20 | Josimar Alcócer | Midfielder | Booked (68′), Sub off (88′) |
| 14 | Orlando Galo | Defensive Mid | |
| 10 | Brandon Aguilera | Attacking Mid | Sub off (58′) |
| 19 | Kenneth Vargas | Forward | Booked (38′) |
| 12 | Alonso Martínez | Striker | Goal (71′) |
Costa Rica Substitutes Used:
| # | Player | Came On | Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Jefferson Brenes | 58′ | Juan Vargas |
| 7 | Andy Rojas | 58′ | Brandon Aguilera |
| 25 | Cristopher Núñez | 74′ | Alejandro Bran |
| 26 | Kenay Myrie | 88′ | Carlos Mora |
| 2 | Santiago van der Putten | 88′ | Josimar Alcócer |
Unused Substitutes: Alexandre Lezcano, Patrick Sequeira, Fernán Faerron, Álvaro Zamora, Guillermo Villalobos
Head Coach: Miguel Herrera
Match Events — Timeline
| Time | Event | Player | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12′ | Penalty Goal | Francisco Calvo | 🇨🇷 CRC | 0–1 |
| 31′ | Penalty saved | Keylor Navas saves from Tillman | 🇺🇸 USA | 0–1 |
| 35′ | Yellow Card | Juan Vargas | 🇨🇷 CRC | — |
| 38′ | Yellow Card | Chris Richards | 🇺🇸 USA | — |
| 38′ | Yellow Card | Kenneth Vargas | 🇨🇷 CRC | — |
| 43′ | Goal | Diego Luna (assist: Arfsten) | 🇺🇸 USA | 1–1 |
| 47′ | Goal | Max Arfsten (assist: Tillman) | 🇺🇸 USA | 2–1 |
| 58′ | Substitutions | Brenes on, Rojas on | 🇨🇷 CRC | — |
| 68′ | Yellow Card | Josimar Alcócer | 🇨🇷 CRC | — |
| 71′ | Goal | Alonso Martínez (assist: Mora) | 🇨🇷 CRC | 2–2 |
| 74′ | Substitution | Núñez on | 🇨🇷 CRC | — |
| 78′ | Substitution | Downs on | 🇺🇸 USA | — |
| 83′ | Substitution | McGlynn on | 🇺🇸 USA | — |
| 84′ | Substitution | Tolkin on | 🇺🇸 USA | — |
| 88′ | Substitutions | Myrie, Van der Putten on | 🇨🇷 CRC | — |
| 90′ | Substitution | White on | 🇺🇸 USA | — |
| FT | Final Score | 2–2 | ||
| PK | Shootout | USA 4–3 CRC | 🇺🇸 USA Win |
Penalty Shootout Breakdown
| Round | USA Player | Result | CRC Player | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Adams | ✅ Scored | Alonso Martínez | ✅ Scored |
| 2 | Malik Tillman | ✅ Scored | Juan Pablo Vargas | ❌ Saved (Freese) |
| 3 | Sebastian Berhalter | ❌ Missed | Santiago van der Putten | ✅ Scored |
| 4 | Alex Freeman | ✅ Scored | Jefferson Brenes | ✅ Scored |
| 5 | John Tolkin | ❌ Saved | Francisco Calvo | ❌ Saved (Freese) |
| 6 | Damion Downs | ✅ Scored | Andy Rojas | ❌ Saved (Freese) |
| Total | 4 | 3 |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇷 CRC |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Total Shots | 18 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 3 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 1 | 2 |
| Corner Kicks | 9 | 2 |
| Fouls Committed | 14 | 14 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Penalty Kicks (Regulation) | 1 (missed) | 1 (scored) |
| PK Shootout Goals | 4 | 3 |
The stat sheet tells a remarkably lopsided story in terms of attacking intent. The USMNT outshot Costa Rica 18 to 3, dominated corners 9 to 2, and controlled large swathes of possession — yet it took a Freese masterclass in the shootout and two moments of individual brilliance from Luna and Arfsten to ultimately advance.
Player Ratings
USMNT Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating (out of 10) | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Freese | GK | 9.5 | 3 PK saves, Man of the Match |
| Alex Freeman | RB | 7.0 | Solid defensively, PK scored |
| Chris Richards | CB | 6.5 | Strong in the air, booked |
| Tim Ream | CB | 7.0 | Experienced leadership |
| Max Arfsten | LB | 8.5 | 1 goal, 1 assist, 1st int’l goal |
| Tyler Adams | DM | 7.5 | Box-to-box engine, PK scored |
| Luca de la Torre | DM | 6.5 | Good in transition before sub |
| Sebastian Berhalter | AM | 6.5 | Creative, PK missed |
| Malik Tillman | AM | 8.0 | 1 assist, constant danger |
| Diego Luna | AM | 8.0 | 1st int’l goal, elegant finish |
| Patrick Agyemang | ST | 6.5 | Work rate, link-up play |
Costa Rica Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating (out of 10) | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keylor Navas | GK | 7.5 | Brilliant regulation saves |
| Francisco Calvo | DEF | 6.5 | Penalty goal, PK saved in shootout |
| Juan Vargas | DEF | 5.5 | Booked, gave away penalty |
| Alexis Gamboa | DEF | 6.0 | Decent defensively |
| Orlando Galo | MID | 6.5 | Composed in midfield |
| Carlos Mora | MID | 7.0 | Assist for equalizer |
| Alonso Martínez | ST | 7.5 | Crucial equalizer, hit the post |
| Brandon Aguilera | AM | 6.0 | Little impact before sub |
| Kenneth Vargas | FWD | 5.5 | Booked, limited output |
Tactical Analysis
Pochettino’s 4-2-3-1: Dynamic and Youthful
Mauricio Pochettino set up the USMNT in a fluid 4-2-3-1 that allowed the wide attacking midfielders — Tillman, Luna, and Berhalter — to rotate freely. The formation placed a heavy tactical demand on the full-backs, particularly Arfsten on the left, to push high and provide width. This approach gave the USA a 3v2 advantage in wide areas throughout the match and was directly responsible for both regulation goals.
Tyler Adams was the glue in midfield, covering ground between the lines and recycling possession quickly. De la Torre alongside him provided the deeper passing option before being replaced by Downs as the game required more directness in the final stages.
The key weakness was an over-reliance on the left flank. Nine of the USA’s eighteen shots came from the left side, and Arfsten’s willingness to arrive late into the box — while a strength — left the left channel exposed twice, with Costa Rica almost exploiting it in the 65th minute.
Miguel Herrera’s 4-3-3: Disciplined but Limited
Costa Rica came in with a pragmatic, disciplined block, sitting in a narrow 4-3-3 shape with Kenneth Vargas and Martínez instructed to press the USA’s centre-backs into mistakes. The plan worked early — winning a penalty inside 12 minutes through forced pressure — but Herrera’s side mustered just three total shots, a sign that the offensive plan beyond counter-attacks had few options.
The second-half equalizer came from their best moment of the match: a broken-play situation where Mora chased down a loose ball, rather than a designed attacking sequence. Herrera’s in-game substitutions in the 58th minute injected pace but not enough creativity to truly threaten again before the shootout.
Shootout Psychology
Freese’s three saves were not accidental. The 26-year-old Philadelphia Union keeper studied Costa Rica’s penalty takers beforehand and remained disciplined in the shootout — staying upright for Calvo’s attempt rather than diving, correctly reading his intended placement, and then diving early to deny Rojas. His composure in the shootout was reflective of a goalkeeper who belongs at the international level.
Head-to-Head Record — USMNT vs Costa Rica National Football Team
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| All-Time USMNT Record vs CRC | 20W – 17L – 7D |
| Gold Cup Record (USMNT vs CRC) | 8W – 0L – 1D |
| Last 5 Meetings | USA 3W, CRC 1W, 1D |
| Most Recent USMNT Win Margin | 2025 (4-3 on PK) |
| Total Goals Scored by USA | 68 |
| Total Goals Scored by CRC | 61 |
The Gold Cup record in particular underlines how dominant the USMNT has been in this specific competition against Costa Rica. The 2025 result now makes it eight wins in eight contested Gold Cup fixtures, maintaining a perfect conversion in knockout rounds against Los Ticos.
Recent Form
USMNT — 2025 Gold Cup Form
| Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| USA vs Trinidad & Tobago | W 3–0 | Group D |
| USA vs Saudi Arabia | W 1–0 | Group D |
| USA vs Haiti | W 2–0 | Group D |
| USA vs Costa Rica | W (4-3 PK) | Quarterfinal |
Costa Rica — 2025 Gold Cup Form
| Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| CRC vs Suriname | W 2–0 | Group A |
| CRC vs Dominican Republic | W 1–0 | Group A |
| CRC vs Mexico | D 0–0 | Group A |
| CRC vs USA | L (3-4 PK) | Quarterfinal |
Squad Depth Comparison
USMNT Key Players
Matt Freese (GK): The 26-year-old has been flawless throughout the 2025 Gold Cup, and his shootout heroics against Costa Rica secured his place as one of the tournament’s standout individuals.
Malik Tillman (AM): The Bayern Munich-product-turned-Rangers-midfielder has been the USMNT’s standout attacker of the tournament. Four goal contributions in his last four matches heading into the semi-finals underline his importance to Pochettino’s plans.
Diego Luna (AM): The 21-year-old’s first international goal — a composed, deflected finish in the 43rd minute — announced him on the continental stage. Luna now has five goal contributions (one goal, four assists) in nine appearances for the USMNT in 2025. His combination of technical quality and positional intelligence makes him one of CONCACAF’s most exciting young midfielders.
Max Arfsten (LB): A revelation at left-back, Arfsten finished the game with a goal and an assist. The defender’s willingness to overlap and deliver quality crosses has given the USMNT a dangerous outlet from deep positions.
Tyler Adams (DM): The captain-level leader in midfield, Adams provides the defensive solidity that allows Tillman and Luna to play with freedom. His composed penalty in the shootout was the perfect platform for Freese’s heroics to follow.
Costa Rica Key Players
Keylor Navas (GK): Still one of the most decorated and capable goalkeepers in CONCACAF, Navas made two world-class saves in regulation — a reaction stop on Arfsten’s follow-up and a brilliant fingertip save from Chris Richards’ header — and only a shootout exposed his limits at 38 years old.
Alonso Martínez (ST): The Costa Rica striker was dangerous throughout in flashes, scoring the equalizer and hitting the post in the dying minutes of regulation. His opening shootout goal showed nerve, but Herrera’s side ultimately lacked the depth to cover the moments when Martínez was isolated.
Francisco Calvo (DEF): The experienced defender converted the opening penalty in regulation but will be remembered for the missed penalty in the shootout, as Freese read his technique perfectly.
Read Also: France National Football Team Vs Croatia National Football Team Lineups
World Cup & Tournament Implications
The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup is taking on heightened significance as it serves as the last major CONCACAF competition before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico.
For the USMNT, this tournament is not just about winning silverware. Under Pochettino — appointed in late 2023 — every match is a World Cup audition. The manager’s primary objectives are clear: develop squad depth, integrate young talent into high-pressure knockout situations, and discover which players are tournament-ready for summer 2026.
Against Costa Rica, three key themes emerged with direct World Cup relevance:
1. Goalkeeper Depth: Freese’s performance all but confirmed his grip on the starting spot heading into 2026. With Matt Turner as backup, the USA has solid, tested options between the sticks.
2. Young Core Delivering: Luna (21), Arfsten (22), and Agyemang (22) all contributed directly to the result. This generation of USMNT players is growing up fast — performing on big stages in meaningful knockout games is exactly the preparation needed before facing Group D opponents at the World Cup.
3. Mental Fortitude: Falling behind 1–0 for the first time in the 2025 Gold Cup, then responding with two goals before the hour mark, then holding composure in a shootout — this was a statement of psychological maturity from a team that has historically struggled with tournament pressure.
For Costa Rica, the exit marks the end of their 2025 Gold Cup but does not significantly impact their World Cup participation, having already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from CONCACAF qualifying. However, the tactical limitations exposed by Pochettino’s side — just 3 shots in a quarterfinal — will be concerning for Miguel Herrera as he prepares his squad for the global stage.
The USMNT now faces Guatemala in the semifinal on July 2 at Energizer Park in St. Louis (7 p.m. ET, FS1, Univision), with a spot in the Gold Cup final at stake.
Read Also: Mexico National Football Team Vs Colombia National Football Team Lineups
Conclusion
The USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team clash at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinal will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this generation of American soccer. A gripping 2–2 draw gave way to a penalty shootout that elevated Matt Freese to folk hero status, while Diego Luna and Max Arfsten announced themselves with their first international goals in the most pressure-packed environment possible.
With the USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups featuring seven players aged 25 or under, and with Pochettino’s side showing they can absorb pressure, respond to adversity, and win ugly when needed, the future looks bright for American soccer. The stat that perhaps matters most beyond the score: the USMNT now holds a perfect 8W-0L-1D record against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup. That’s a level of dominance in a regional rivalry that speaks to the growing gulf in footballing development between the two nations.
The road to the 2026 World Cup runs through moments exactly like this one.
? FAQs
Q1. What was the final score of USMNT vs Costa Rica in the 2025 Gold Cup?
The match ended 2–2 after 90 minutes. The USMNT won 4–3 on penalty kicks to advance to the semifinals.
Q2. Where was the USMNT vs Costa Rica Gold Cup match played?
The match was played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 29, 2025, with an attendance of 32,289.
Q3. Who scored for the USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team?
Diego Luna scored in the 43rd minute (assisted by Max Arfsten), and Max Arfsten scored in the 47th minute (assisted by Malik Tillman).
Q4. Who scored for Costa Rica against the USMNT?
Francisco Calvo scored a penalty in the 12th minute, and Alonso Martínez equalized in the 71st minute with an assist from Carlos Mora.
Q5. What were the full USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups?
USA started: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, De la Torre; Berhalter, Tillman, Luna; Agyemang. Costa Rica started: Navas; Calvo, J. Vargas, Gamboa, Bran; Mora, Alcócer, Galo; Aguilera, K. Vargas, Martínez.
Q6. Who was the Man of the Match in USMNT vs Costa Rica?
Goalkeeper Matt Freese was awarded Man of the Match after saving three penalties in the shootout.
Q7. Who is the USMNT head coach for the 2025 Gold Cup?
Mauricio Pochettino is the head coach of the USMNT, having taken charge in late 2023 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle.
Q8. What is the all-time head-to-head record between USMNT and Costa Rica national football team?
The USMNT holds a record of 20 wins, 17 losses, and 7 draws against Costa Rica across all competitions. In the Gold Cup specifically, the USA record is 8 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw.
