Despite a litany of mistakes from the back four and very hungry El Salvador defense, the USMNT is through to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 2-0 scoreline perhaps flattered the USA, but a win's a win.
Omar Gonzalez opened the scoring off a set piece, for his second goal of the tournament.
Omar Gonzalez's 2nd goal of the tournament has the #USMNT up 1-0 on #SLV! @ModeloUSA #ModeloSoccer #GoldCup2017 https://t.co/RmMGb9sSDK
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2017
Eric Lichaj doubles the scoreline near the end of the first half.
This turn by Dempsey, and a great run by Lichaj, made it 2-0 to #USA (Via @UnivisionSports)pic.twitter.com/EshIaMT7BM
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) July 20, 2017
It says a lot about how this game went that both the USMNT's goals were scored by defenders, who looked much more comfortable scoring goals than defending them.
The real story of the game, though, was El Salvador's tactics, which included punching, biting, purple-nurpling and all manner of shenanigans. The referees, for their parts, were not very good at noticing these shenanigans, which lasted through the whole second half.
Henry Romero, jugador de El Salvador, aplica la de Luis Suárez y le pega una mordida a Jozy Altidore en 4tos de la Copa Oro
REPROBABLE pic.twitter.com/bL9BAkVrjr— El Túnel (@ElTunelOficial) July 20, 2017
The USA will play Costa Rica on Saturday in the semifinals.