Darlington Nagbe’s goal gave U.S. a 1-0 win over Ecuador in a pre-Copa America friendly in Frisco, Texas. My expectation is that it will be Graham Zusi, Kyle Beckerman, and Michael Orozco, but Jurgen Klinsmann is known to make surprising changes in his starting lineup from time to time.
Advertisement
As the half wore on, the Americans got stronger and more confident as they started to create more risky chances. Find out below along with quarterfinal highlights for the US v Ecuador match. Jones had been solid in the first 50 minutes, and set up Clint Dempsey to score the game’s first goal. Jones then chipped the ball forward for Dempsey, who headed it in from about 10 yards for his third goal of the tournament and 52nd of his national team career. The veteran forward jumped to head the ball from 10 yards into the upper right corner for a 1-0 advantage and his 52nd worldwide goal in his 128th game for the USA. At the end of the group stage, DeAndre Yedlin was sent off for earning two yellow cards for rash tackles in a matter of moments. Jermaine Jones threatens Antonio Valencia with a swinging fist in the latter’s face.
Ecuador boss Quinteros was sent off a minute from time for protesting with the referee from the sideline. Jones’ left got Arroyo in the face, however slightly. Ricardo Gareca focused on young perspective players such as Renato Tapia, Christian Cueava, Andy Polo and they already delivered, as Peru advanced on quarters.
Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia is booked with his second yellow card that also issues him out of the game.
Valencia got two yellows, one for the risky tackle and one during the pushing and shoving that followed, and was also set off, forcing both teams to play the final 39 minutes a man down.
Ecuador, somewhat slumbering for the first 25 minutes, finally awoke to produce some scoring chances.
USA’s Gyasi Zardes is at the center of the hug after his goal. However, his goal gets blocked by the bar. Bobby Wood got things started by making a run deep into the right side of the Ecuador area and holding off a pair of defenders.
Clint Dempsey was the hero for the Copa hosts, scoring once and setting up Gyasi Zardes as US continued their dream run.
Energized by the goal, the South Americans increased the offensive intensity.
The prize for the victor of the quarter-final clash is a semi-final showdown with either Peru or Colombia.
Arroyo found the net in the 74th minute and the game lived in the USA penalty box for the remainder, bouncing dangerously in front and around the goal.
Second half_2, United States, Gyasi Zardes (Clint Dempsey), 65th; 3, Ecuador, Michael Arroyo (Walter Ayovi), 74th.
Advertisement
However, Arroyo’s effort is wasted as Ecuador loses. The winner of this will take on the victor of Argentina-Venezuela in Houston next week for a spot in the final.
