The Copa America quarterfinals began with a bang as the United States defeated Ecuador in a hectic and dramatic match. The U.S. are through to the final four of a major international tournament after prevailing 2-1 on Thursday night.
Clint Dempsey got things started just after the 20 minute mark with a textbook header off of a Jermaine Jones cross. It was his 52 career USMNT goal, pulling him within five goals of Landon Donovan for the all-time record.
Just after the halftime break, Jermaine Jones and Antonio Valencia would both be sent off after an extremely confusing situation. Valencia would see his second yellow for an obvious bookable offence. Jones would be issued a red card for putting his hands into the face of an Ecuadorian player. Something refs have targetted as an issue to crack down on heading into the tournament.
The U.S. wouldn’t be phased by the 10 vs. 10 scenario as they manufactured a second goal with some hard work by Bobby Wood and Clint Dempsey. The latter did the heavy lifting to control the ball in the box and slide a perfect pass across the face of goal for Gyasi Zardes to tap-in.
With a two-goal lead, the Americans sat back in hopes of killing the match off with ease. Their dominant defending from the run of play continued, but it would be yet another set piece that would burn them to cut the lead in half. A well-worked free kick routine was smashed in from the top of the box by Michael Arroyo.
After a wild finish, the U.S. held on for dear life and walked away with the win to book their spot in the Copa America semifinals where they’ll play the winner of Venezuela and Argentina in Houston, TX on Tuesday.
Friday
- Peru vs. Colombia, 8:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and UniMas (Quarterfinals)
Saturday
- Argentina vs. Venezuela, 7:00 p.m. ET – FX and Univision
- Mexico vs. Chile, 10:00 p.m. ET – FX and Univision
Tuesday
- United States vs. ARG/VEN, 9:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and Univision
