Herculez Gomez takes a look at what the USMNT still has to improve on after narrowly beating Costa Rica on penalties in the Gold Cup. But the United States men's national team went one better in its Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal matchup against Costa Rica. And when the penalty shootout beckoned, there was a sense that Costa Rica, with legendary keeper Keylor Navas in net, had the edge. Freese was the hero as the USMNT advanced after a penalty shootout went to sudden-death penalties, but this entire squad is learning how to handle adversity and the rigor of high-pressure tournament play. play 1:01 Pochettino: We showed great character vs. Costa Rica Mauricio Pochettino believes his USMNT is starting to show its quality after the team advanced to the Gold Cup semifinals.