They say pressure makes diamonds, and the U.S. Men's National Team just proved that in dazzling fashion. On a nail-biting Tuesday night, the USMNT clawed their way into the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals—thanks to a heroic performance by goalkeeper Matt Freese and nerves of steel from the penalty spot. And guess who’s next? A feisty Guatemala squad fresh off their own upset win over Canada in their own penalty shootout. The two underdog stories will now collide on Wednesday at 7 PM ET in a matchup nobody saw coming.
The Road to the Semis: Drama, Grit, and Goals
Let’s rewind. The USMNT's clash with Costa Rica wasn't for the faint of heart. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad came from behind to take the lead with a pair of rapid-fire goals—one just before halftime and another right after. That momentum seemed to set the tone, but the Ticos weren’t done. Costa Rica clawed back with a 71st-minute equalizer, throwing the game into chaos and ultimately extra time.
But the spotlight belonged to Matt Freese when the game went to penalties. The Union keeper stood tall, saving three of six Costa Rican penalties—yes, three—to push the U.S. through. And all this without star names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, or Folarin Balogun on the field. That’s right, this squad is rolling deep and making a name for the next wave of American talent.
🧤 Freese the Hero
Matt Freese—remember the name. His performance wasn’t just clutch; it was legendary. When the pressure hit, Freese delivered. Cool as ice, locked in like a veteran, he guessed right and denied three attempts from the spot. That kind of poise between the sticks could become a game-changer as the tournament heats up. Talk about rising to the occasion.
Injury? What Injury? Tillman Steps Up Again
One player who's been turning heads is Malik Tillman. The Bayern Munich youth product turned Eredivisie standout has truly found his groove. He took six fouls in the last match alone, looked to be on the edge of coming off a few times, but pushed through to complete the 90 minutes. Even after clanking a penalty off the post in the 37th minute, he stayed locked in and ultimately came through in the shootout.
Tillman’s numbers don’t lie either—3 goals and 1 assist in the Gold Cup, plus an end-of-season surge in the Dutch league (5 goals and 1 assist in his last 8 games after recovering from injury). With that kind of form, could a Bayer Leverkusen move be next? And what about a locked-in starting XI spot for the World Cup? Don’t rule it out.
Guatemala’s Cinderella Story Continues
On the other side, Guatemala is enjoying a dream run of their own. They weren’t expected to be here, but here they are—after knocking off Canada in dramatic fashion. Their matchup had its own flavor of drama, too.
Jacob Shaffelburg was shown a second yellow card just before halftime, putting Canada down to 10 men. That’s when things opened up for Rubio Rubin, the former U.S. international who switched allegiance to Guatemala in 2022. Rubin slotted the equalizer and sent the game to penalties, where Guatemala held their nerve and came out on top.
Rubin, by the way, now has 13 goals in 34 caps for Guatemala, and his decision to represent his mother’s homeland is paying off big time. He’s not just a contributor—he’s a leader on the pitch.
🔥 Key Players to Watch
For the USMNT:
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Matt Freese – If penalties come into play again, he’s the man you want between the posts.
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Malik Tillman – The breakout star of the tournament. Can he keep that momentum rolling?
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Patrick Agyemang & Diego Luna – Both have become vital sparks in the front line. Their chemistry is building fast.
For Guatemala:
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Rubio Rubin – The engine of their attack. If Guatemala scores, chances are he’s involved.
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Nicholas Hagen (GK) – Don’t sleep on Guatemala’s shot-stopper. He was cool under pressure against Canada.
How to Watch: Don’t Miss This Match!
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📅 Date: Wednesday, July 2nd
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🕖 Kickoff Time: 7 PM ET
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📺 TV Channels: FS1, TUDN
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💻 Streaming: FOX Sports app or FOXSports.com
No excuses—this is appointment viewing.
Prediction: USMNT 3, Guatemala 1
Guatemala has heart, no question. But the Americans are simply clicking on another level. Pochettino’s system is starting to gel, and players like Tillman, Luna, and Agyemang are showing serious chemistry in the final third. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy battle, but ultimately the U.S. should have too much firepower. A comfortable 3-1 win seems likely.
What’s at Stake?
The winner moves one step closer to lifting the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. For the USMNT, it would be their 13th straight semifinal in the tournament—a jaw-dropping streak of consistency. For Guatemala, this could be historic. They've never made a Gold Cup final, and this opportunity might be their best shot in years.
And let's not forget—the Gold Cup is more than just regional bragging rights. It’s a proving ground. A launchpad. Players who shine here often leap to bigger club contracts, World Cup squads, and the international spotlight. Every touch, every tackle, every shot could be a career-maker.
Final Thoughts
This semifinal might not be the marquee matchup fans predicted, but it’s one loaded with storylines. Young stars, redemption arcs, international switch-ups, and the hunger to win. Whether you're rooting for a new wave of American talent or cheering on the ultimate underdog in Guatemala, you’re in for a show.
From surprise heroes to future stars, this Gold Cup is delivering—and we’re not done yet. See you at kickoff.
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