(Getty)
Final Score
USA 1-1 2
Ecuador 0-1 1
Box Score
USA survived a late rally from Ecuador to advance to their first Copa America semifinal since 1995.
It was a solid start for USA, as Jermaine Jones found Dempsey for a header that put the hosts ahead early. Behind a rowdy crowd in Seattle, USA’s bend-don’t-break defense served them well despite strong play from Ecuador on the outside.
Things got crazy early in the second half, as Antonio Valencia tripped Bedoya along the sideline. Jermaine Jones threw a punch in the ensuing scuffle, and both players were sent to an early shower.
USA responded well with 10 men, as Bobby Wood’s cross found Gyasi Zardes to score what would become the winning goal. But after that point, the momentum belonged to Ecuador. Michael Arroyo got one back for Ecuador, but they were unable to beat Guzan a second time in the closing minutes.
USA advance to the semifinal in Houston on Tuesday night, where they will face the winner of the Argentina-Venezuela matchup.
Arroyo Gets One Back For Ecuador
A powerful low shot from Michael Arroyo has Ecuador right back in this game. Ecuador’s free kick played out like a short corner, and the low cross put Arroyo in perfect position.
Ecuador are really pushing in the last 20 minutes, and USA will have to control some possession to keep the clock moving and the chances to a minimum.
Zardes Scores to Extend USA’s Lead
Bobby Wood has been a threat all night, and his work paid off in the 65th minute. He lofted a ball high into the box, and some nice one-two play from Zardes and Dempsey have the USA ahead by two goals. It’s looking good in Seattle.
Double Red Cards After Valencia Trips Bedoya
We’re playing 10 with 10 men apiece just 110 miuntes into the second half, as Jermaine Jones and Antonio Valencia have both been shown red cards. Valencia seemed to deliberately trip Bedoya on the sideline, leading to a scuffle, the result of which was Jones seeing red. Both players are leaders on their respective clubs but Jones has been an anchor for USA, creating on offense and playing well on defense.
Guzan Makes His First Save Right Before Halftime
Brad Guzan didn’t have much to do in the first half, but ended the first 45 with two clutch plays. Ecuador looked ready to score, but Guzan denied Valencia and then snatched the ensuing corner. USA’s defense hasn’t been stellar, but they are ahead at the break and 45 minutes from the semifinal.
Jones to Dempsey Puts USA Ahead
In a flash, USA are on the board. Some nice midfield play set up Jermaine Jones on the wing, and Clint Dempsey rose above the defense to hammer home an excellent cross. Dempsey, the Seattle Sounder, has active on both ends in the first half.
All Ecuador After 15 Minutes
Yedlin has been replaced by Matt Besler, and Klinsmann has shuffled the back line that was so successful in his team’s previous two matches. Ecuador have been controlling the wings, and USA haven’t been able to maintain much possession in the early minutes.
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