Seattle: The U.S. Men’s National Team earned a massive
2-1 win against Ecuador before 47,322 fans at CenturyLink Field in Seattle to
secure a Semifinal berth at the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
The U.S. took the lead in the 22nd minute off a Clint
Dempsey goal. Dempsey played a through ball to Bobby Wood. Wood found Jermaine
Jones, whose cross was headed into the net by the pride of Nacogdoches, Texas.
Both teams pressed for a goal for the rest of the
half, but the defenses stood firm.
Antonio Valencia and Jermaine Jones were sent off in
the 52nd minute. Valencia received a second yellow for a bad foul on Alejandro Bedoya,
and Jones was sent off for “violent conduct”. A minute later, Bobby Wood
received a yellow.
Gyasi Zardes doubled the lead in the 65th minute,
tapping in a pass from Dempsey.
Down two goals, Ecuador pushed the attack and forced
the U.S. back. They were rewarded for their aggressive attacking in the
74th minute. Michael Arroyo received Walter Ayovi’s free kick at the top of the
box and blasted the ball past Brad Guzan.
Ecuador searched for the equalizer, but the resilient
American defense was able to bend, but not break until the final whistle.
This may ultimately prove to be a Pyrrhic victory, but
for now the U.S. has earned a spot in the semifinals of the Copa America
Centenario. Jurgen Klinsmann has made good on his promise.
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