You know what they say about teams in sports – defense wins championships. Indeed, that’s how it proved to be a true factor as USMNT clinched a semifinals berth in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 4-3 win in penalties against Costa Rica thanks to an explosive performance from Matt Freese, who held the line with his impressive performances, proving that he could lead the squad even when holding the fort on the goalpost.

Had it not been for the superb defense of Freese, the USMNT might have faltered in full-time. Instead, his defense went on to hold the line when the offense could not play it well. So when it came to the penalties, Freese stepped up well and made sure to save if not disrupt many of the key shots that could have gave the game away to the Central American underdogs.

Instead, Freese went on to save three of the six attempts that Costa Rica had in the penalties. That was enough to secure the victory for the American side, who were fortunate enough to score four goals of their own. On top of that, USMNT also avoided the huge upset that both Canada and Panama suffered in the previous weekend.

A Show of Character

Freese was placed in the game in place of veteran keeper Matt Turner ahead of the tournament. So Far, that has turned out well for the team and the young goalkeeper. Freese has been able to shine in big games, and USMNT’s defense was so impressive to the point where they were able to clinch wins thanks to defense.

But when they entered this showdown against Costa Rica, not a single soul anticipated this intense clash that would end up in the penalties. Even USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino was thrilled with the overall result.

“It's always stressful when you go to the penalties, no? Anything can happen,” coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters in his press conference afterwards. “They showed great character today. I think it's good for this group of players to have this type of experience,” he said of his squad, which had never trailed in their three group-stage matches. “It's priceless, because that is the reality when you go in a big tournament, that thing can happen, and it's important that they start to build the experience together.”

Fortunately, it was the USMNT’s win. It has proven to be great, and their run in the Gold Cup continues to be one of the most special runs that this team has enjoyed so far.

Freese On the Rise

With this effort, Freese seems to have earned a bigger role on his own. Sure, the team has great keepers, but then, not everyone can come up with elite performances – or even step up in the clutch where everything matters. And that is what made Freese special at this point.

Even in the win where he is celebrated, he could still stay humble and put his own teammates first.

“Full team effort,” said Freese. “I think it really shows the energy and the mentality of the group to come back from 1-0, go up 2-1, and then they get an equalizer, and then we hold on, we're pushing for a goal at the end. And then everyone steps up for PKs and does a great job.”

That is the kind of mentality that you would want in your squad, and USMNT is definitely lucky enough to have him on the prowl.