USA defeated a scrappy El Salvador squad in Philadelphia to advance to the Gold Cup quarterfinals. They remain unbeaten all-time against El Salvador, and will face Costa Rica in the semifinals on Saturday.
Final Score
USA – 2 – 0 2
El Salvador– 0 – 0 0
Goal: Lichaj (45+)
Eric Lichaj fue el autor del segundo gol de #USA. Mira la jugada
#CopaOro2017 #USAvSLV
Goal: Gonzalez (41′)
Preview
USA look to make it a 13th semifinals appearance in their 14th Gold Cup when they host El Salvador on Wednesday.
With Costa Rica and Mexico both alive in the bracket, El Salvador represents the final tune-up for USMNT. The Americans have never lost to El Salvador, and defeated them 5-1 in their previous Gold Cup encounter in 2003.
Regardless of opponent, Bruce Arena has called in veteran support for the remainder of Gold Cup. USA staples Dempsey, Howard, Bradley and Altidore have all rejoined their mates, bringing over a decade of international experience to the roster. Despite the statistical success, that group has combined for just one Gold Cup win. Most of the squad was absent in 2013, when a makeshift USMNT raised the cup while the veterans were competing in Confederations Cup.
El Salvador may not have ever beaten the Americans, but they held their own in group play. A loss to Mexico was the only blemish on their group record, and four points was enough to send them to the quarterfinals. El Salvador’s roster includes a handful of American players, including three from the New York Cosmos of the NASL.
It may be preparation for next year’s World Cup, but Bruce Arena is taking the competition seriously. USA has owned most of the teams in CONCACAF, but only have five Gold Cup titles in 13 attempts to show for it. With Mexico making the trip to Confederations Cup earlier this summer, USA is in prime position to raise the trophy once again.
Kickoff starts at 9 p.m. Eastern and will air on Fox Sports 1. Keep this page refreshed for the latest highlights, including video of every goal.
Comments
USA vs. El Salvador: Score Updates & Gold Cup Highlights