Agence France-Presse
Seattle, June 17: Clint Dempsey worked his magic once more as the United States powered through to the semifinals of the Copa America Centenario here Thursday in a stormy 2-1 win over Ecuador that saw both sides finish with 10 men.
Dempsey scored his third goal in as many games for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side at CenturyLink Field here, pouncing on 22 minutes before setting up a second for Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes in the 65th minute.
Michael Arroyo pulled a goal back for Ecuador in the 74th minute to set up a frantic finale, but the US held on and will now face either Argentina or Venezuela in the semifinals in Houston next week.
But the victory came at a cost for Klinsmann’s side, who saw key midfielder Jermaine Jones sent off early in the second half to earn a suspension which will see him miss the semifinal. France-based midfielder Alejandro Bedoya and Hamburg striker Bobby Wood also earned yellow cards that will see them suspended for the last four.
For Ecuador, Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards before triggering the melee which led to Jones’ dismissal.
Earlier, a cagey start had seen both sides begin tentatively before Jones and Michael Bradley steadily imposed themselves in midfield as the US started to gain the upper hand. Wood’s missed an easy chance on the 17th minute shooting wide.
But five minutes later the US took the lead with a beautifully worked goal that began when Dempsey gathered in midfield and released Wood, who fed Jones near the edge of the area. The midfielder picked out Dempsey with a superb cross he duly headed home not giving Ecuador custodian Alexander Dominguez any chance.
Bedoya almost doubled the US lead three minutes before the break when played through by Dempsey, yet Dominguez saved smartly down to his left. Both sides were reduced to 10 men by the 52nd minute and the game opened up dramatically. However, it was the hosts who struck first.
Dempsey latched onto a long ball forward and showed great determination to cut back for Zardes who had the easiest of tap-ins at the far post for 2-0.
Ecuador responded furiously, pulling a goal back through Arroyo’s thunderous low strike in the 74th minute. Enner Valencia had hearts in American mouths two minutes later when he headed wide from close range. Ecuador laid siege to the US goal and in a frantic finish saw manager Gustavo Quinteros given a red card from the touchline.
