VIDEO: United States Advances To Semifinals In Copa Amèrica, Defeats Ecuador 2-1 In Seattle

Plays Winner of Venezuela vs Argentina game

ABOVE VIDEO: Relive Tuesday’s 2016 Copa America action between USA and Ecuador. (FOX Soccer Video)

The U.S. Men’s National Team earned a massive 2-1 win against Ecuador before 47,322 fans at CenturyLink Field to secure a Semifinal berth at the 2016 Copa America Centenario.

The match was played at a high intensity from the first whistle as both teams wrestled for control of the game early. But it was the USA that landed the first blow in the 22nd minute as Clint Dempsey, playing in the city where he suits up for Seattle Sounders FC, opened the scoring with a textbook headed finish.

The U.S. carried the lead into the second half where cards began to take their toll on both teams. In the 52nd minute, both sides had players sent off as Antonio Valencia received a second caution for Ecuador and Jermaine Jones earned a straight red for an after-the-play incident for the U.S.

Both teams kept up the high tempo despite being reduced to 10-men but the U.S. was able to exploit the additional space when Gyasi Zardes tapped home what proved to be the game-clincher in the 65th minute.

Although Ecuador pulled a goal back from a set piece – Michael Arroyo picked out the lower left corner of Brad Guzan’s goal as Ecuador utilized crafty play deep in U.S. territory – they were not able to further breach a staunch U.S. defense led by center back duo John Brooks and Geoff Cameron.

The win against La Tri sends the USA to NRG Stadium in Houston next Tuesday, June 21 for a showdown with the winner between Argentina and Venezuela, who play this Saturday night in Boston.

The Semifinal will be broadcast live on FS1, Univision and UDN.

Fans can also follow the action on Twitter @ussoccer and @ussoccer_esp.

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