USA advances to Gold Cup Semi-Finals

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) - USA advances after beating Costa Rica in penalties.

The U.S. soccer team now heads to Gold Cup Semi-Finals where they will face Guatemala.

The U.S fell behind early after Costa Rica's Francisco Calvo buried a penalty in the 12th minute. But the U.S responded late in the first half. Diego Luna, the former El Paso Locomotive star, deflected a ball off a Costa Rica defender to tie it up at 1-1.

Then just 90 seconds into the second half, the U.S answered again. Malik Tillman assisted Max Arfsten for his first career international goal to put the United States up 2-1.

Costa Rica punched back in the 71st minute off a beautiful play by Carlos Mora, assisting Alfonso Martinez to tie it up.

The game went into penalties, where both goalies made big time stands. Matt Freese for the United States made 3 saves on 6 shots before Damion Downs scored to clinch the victory for the U.S.

They will play Guatemala on Wednesday, July 2nd in the semi-finals.