ESPN.com · Jun 30, 2025
USMNT learning how to fight through adversity at Gold Cup
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MINNEAPOLIS -- As Mike Tyson once opined, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. But the United States men's national team went one better in its Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal matchup against Costa Rica.
On Sunday, the USMNT took multiple haymakers to the noggin. Granted, that's the norm in Concacaf, but in this match the U.S. stayed on its feet long enough to deliver the final blow, with Damion Downs converting the home side's final attempt in the penalty shootout to win the tiebreaker 4-3 after extra time finished 2-2. The U.S. will face Guatemala, winner of the day's other quarterfinal against Canada, in the semifinals Wednesday.