Dempsey had also scored his first global goal at Soldier Field, in 2005 against England. “Once we got the second and third it became easier”.
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In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second.
That is what a veteran who is creative in attack will do when given time, and the US needs more of it.
“I think again we played a very, very good game with Colombia”.
Costa Rica finished their Copa opener in a scoreless tie against Paraguay on Saturday.
But Ospina could do nothing against Ayala, who trimmed Colombia’s lead and made the final minutes uncomfortable.
For the U.S., Brooks followed up his encouraging performance against Colombia with a standout match in the backline against Costa Rica.
The good vibes kept on coming as Jermaine Jones scored his first goal in almost two years in the 37 minute.
Lose Saturday against Paraguay, and the USA will be out of Copa America, with no evidence they are any better off than when Klinsmann took over. They gathered in Arroyo Seco several hours before kickoff for food, music and a celebration of a serious championship-contending team.
Dempsey opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood struck just before half-time to effectively settle the contest. The run of play was more even after the goal which obviously helped the USA get more into the match. US fans want to see tangible progress and their patience has worn thin, as evidenced by the “Fire Klinsmann” banner in the crowd at Soldier Field.
The undivided attention certainly didn’t go unnoticed by a team that entered Tuesday night understanding what was at stake and that left Soldier Field appreciative they could put on a show while gaining a much-needed victory. “I think it’s just a good relationship with everyone on the team”.
The Americans always beat Costa Rica at home (and always lose to the Ticos on the road), regardless of the competition.
After a long delay, because of a protest from the Costa Rican players, Dempsey, who picked up the ball immediately after the spot kick was given, coolly stepped up and beat goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton for his 50th global goal. Dempsey stepped up and executed the penalty kick for the 1-0 lead.
Zusi added the final home goal in the 87th minute, pouncing on a mistake to skip clear and shoot past Pemberton. First came a flurry of near goals before Jermaine Jones converted.
After three minute of stoppage, the result became official and the USA moved to the top of the Group A -for the time being. Dempsey carried the ball up the field and with Costa Rica’s defenders keying up on him, the ball ended up with Jones out wide who curled a low shot from 20 yards out into the corner of the goal.
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DEF – Geoff Cameron (6.0): Did enough to stop Costa Rica and positioned himself well. “This is the most hard group in the Copa America”, said Klinsmann. Everybody wants the other one to do well.
