By Ivan Orozco

CHICAGO - Froylan Ledezma will remember both.

But the Costa Rica forward wouldn't say which moment will stand out the most.

Ledezma went from hero to villain Thursday night. His goal in injury time of the second half in Thursday's semifinal match against Mexico in Chicago tied the game and sent it into extra time and eventually penalty kicks.

It was there where Ledezma perhaps cost his team a shot at the Sunday's final at Giants Stadium.

Ledezma couldn't convert his penalty kick. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made the diving save.

Mexico would win 5-3 in the shootout, eliminating Costa Rica from the Gold Cup.

That's a burden Ledezma will have to carry.

"Fortunately I had the chance to score a goal and silence the stadium crowd," Ledezma said in Spanish. "But it turned sour. But I must move forward."

The partisan Mexico crowd at Soldier Field thought El Tri was on its way to a 1-0 lead until Ledezma took a header by Alvaro Sabario in the penalty area, dribbled past two defenders and sent a blast past Ochoa.

The Mexican goalkeeper redeemed himself when he stopped Ledezma's attempt during Costa Rica's third penalty kick in the shootout.

"I've moved past more difficult moments. It's another thing I have to get through. God willing, I'm going to work to put myself in a situation to get revenge," Ledezma said.

He could have a shot at redemption when both teams meet in World Cup qualifying September 5 in San Jose, Costa Rica. It will also be a rematch of Mexico's 2-0 win at Estadio Azteca in March.

Costa Rica coach Rodrigo Kenton said he thinks the Ticos could have a good chance at redemption.

He was pleased with his team's performance in the Gold Cup despite missing a handful of regular starters.

"I think if Costa Rica keeps playing this way, it definitely will and will continue to be one of the best teams in CONCACAF," he said.

Kenton was not happy about the loss, but he remained upbeat afterward and continued to praise his team and credit Mexico for a hard-fought match.

"We knew it was going to be like this. Mexico is a great team," Kenton said. "With 60,000 fans under those conditions, it's a weight on your team but I think Costa Rica responded well. I think this was an advanced final."

And it was a match that featured a missed penalty kick by Mexico's Miguel Sabah and Guillermo Franco's first goal in this Gold Cup.

He scored in the 88th minute to give Mexico a 1-0 lead sending Mexico fans into a frenzy.

That changed when Ledezma scored in injury time.

"We placed a good game," Ledezma said. "There was that moment when we silenced Mexico but it wasn't enough. I hope to be ready for the next match and go for revenge."