The U.S. Men's National Team kept their Copa América Centenario dream alive, defeating Ecuador 2-1 at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Thursday to book their place in the semifinals.
The hosts took the lead in the 22nd minute, as Jermaine Jones sent a diagonal ball into the box that found the head of Clint Dempsey, who easily beat Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.
Clint Dempsey scores his 3rd goal at #CopaAmerica Centenario to put the #USMNT ahead. #USAvECU#MyCopaColorshttps://t.co/DtNKqz8iLE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2016
Minutes later, John Brooks continued his strong tournament with a timely block to cut out a goal-bound Michael Arroyo shot, preserving the US lead.
A player from each side was sent off in the 52nd minute, as Antonio Valencia received a second yellow card after kicking out at Alejandro Bedoya, and Jones received a straight red card in the subsequent scrum for an apparent swipe at the head of an Ecuador player.
Confused by the double red card? Here's another look at how Valencia and Jones were sent off. #USAvECU#MyCopaColorshttps://t.co/EhMsAfRCsV
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2016
The US doubled their lead just after the hour mark, as Gyasi Zardes ensured Dempsey's effort towards goal went in with a simple tap-in at the far post.
Gyasi Zardes, off the feed from Clint Dempsey, gives the #USMNT some breathing room. #USAvECU#MyCopaColorshttps://t.co/SxKajJCeJS
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2016
But Ecuador found their breakthrough in the 74th minute, as Arroyo buried a low shot through traffic off Walter Ayovi's free kick deep in the US end, and continued to pile on the pressure from there.
The U.S. held firm and buckled down to withstand the continued pressure from the Ecuadorians, with the nerviest moment late in the match coming when John Brooks deflected a cross inches wide of Brad Guzan's post and out for a corner.
United defender Steven Birnbaum entered in the dying seconds of the match for goalscorer Gyasi Zardes. The U.S. face the winner of Argentina and Venezuela Tuesday in Houston, only three days after the Black-and-Red return from BBVA Compass Stadium and play the Dynamo.
While DeAndre Yedlin will return after serving his one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation, the Red, White and Blue will need to win without Bobby Wood, Jones and Bedoya, all of whom are suspended for the next match (Jones will be out the remainder of the tournament, should the U.S. advance to the final).
