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The USMNT beat Ecuador 2-1 in a match that pretty much had everything. Clint Dempsey bagged a goal and an assist, Gyasi Zardes grabbed the second, and Michael Arroyo pulled one back for Ecuador to set up a grandstand finale.
Before the match, there was a great amount of speculation as to who would replace the suspended DeAndre Yedlin in the USMNT lineup, with many expecting Fabian Johnson to move over to right-back. Klinsmann did indeed move over Johnson, but in a somewhat gutsy decision, he chose Matt Besler at left-back over the considerably quicker Edgar Castillo. Besler would have his work cut out for him against the speed and power of Manchester United man Antonio Valencia.
Photo: @ussoccer | Twitter
Ecuador made a surprising change of their own, with the dangerous Miller Bolanos making way for Michael Arroyo, in what could be percieved as a more conservative approach from Gustavo Quinteros.
The game started chaotically as both teams played direct and with pace, but both defenses looked up to the task of snuffing out danger. The USMNT were pushing a lot of bodies forward and looked the more dangerous team in the opening minutes, but there was a concern that their buccaneering play might leave too much space for Ecuador to counter. Indeed, Enner Valencia, Antonio Valencia and Jefferson Montero were having veritable field days with the amount of space at their disposal.
Despite the danger, the U.S. were rewarded for their adventurous play in the 22nd minute. Some good hold-up play by Bobby Wood on the flank allowed him to find Jermaine Jones in space on the edge of the box. Jones curled a peach of a cross right on top of the penalty spot where who else but Clint Dempsey was waiting. Dempsey did what Dempsey does so well, and headed with power and placement into the corner of the net to give the USMNT a well-deserved lead.
The goal seemed to only spur the U.S. on more, as Dempsey almost put them 2-0 up but saw his low shot saved by Alexander Dominguez. Bobby Wood was absolutely everywhere, and his electric runs behind the defense were an absolute nightmare for Ecuador.
Ecuador tried to get into dangerous areas, but the defensive partnership of Geoff Cameron and John Brooks proved extremely solid. Their best chance fell to Enner Valencia who managed to get behind Cameron, only to send his low drive straight at Guzan, who saved it with his feet.
That was the last chance of the half as the USMNT went in feeling energized and confident. However, for all their wonderful play, they were only 1-0 up, and had to maintain their focus.
Ecuador started the second half with a bit more attacking intent. An early free kick from the left hand side was nodded on by Antonio Valencia at the near post and Enner Valencia nearly got his head to it to equalize. It was a warning sign for the USMNT, who quickly realized they couldn't just sit back and defend
Then, in the 52nd minute, things got weird. An Antonio Valencia kick aimed at Bedoya earned him a second yellow card, but then the referee also seemed to give Jermaine Jones a straight red card. To make matters more confusing, Jones was still on the pitch when play resumed, only to eventually meander to the dressing room. Replays appeared to show that Jones had stuck his hand in an opposing player's face. It was soft, but the referee was very adamant in his decision.
The USMNT were not deterred however as 10 minutes later, more brilliant link up play between Dempsey and Wood saw Dempsey charge into the penalty area. The Sounders man passed the ball over to Zardes for an easy tap in.
It seemed to be all over then, but Ecuador still had some fight left in them, and Michael Arroyo was the one to put the pressure on in the 74th minute as he struck a brilliant low drive past Guzan, who had no chance.
The next 16 or so minutes were a blur. Enner Valencia came within inches of equalizing with a header, Ecuador coach Quinteros was sent to the stands for using (repeatedly) a Spanish word we can't use here, and John Brooks deflected a shot just wide of his own post. It was a wild, desperate end to the game. Klinsmann put in Beckerman and Zusi to try and calm the game down but it didn't work.
Only the mammoth defensive partnership of Cameron and Brooks saved the USMNT (Fabian Johnson also impressed) and ultimately, despite Ecuador's best effort, the USMNT held out, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
Unfortunately for the USMNT, they will now be without Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya through suspension for the next match.
Author's Note:
Your dear author almost had a heart attack during this match. Best game of the year so far. No contest.
Follow me on Twitter @J_Hansen_89
