United States’ Clint Dempsey (8) reacts after scoring against Paraguay during the first half of a Copa America Group A soccer match Saturday, June 11, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
One week ago, the U.S. men’s national team was facing elimination. By Saturday night, the United States topped its group.
With a 1-0 win over Paraguay and Costa Rica’s stunning 3-2 win over Colombia, the Americans locked up not only their first Copa America quarterfinal berth since 1995 (and second ever) but also the top spot in Group A. This is the first time the United States has ever advanced out of the group stage at a major tournament after losing the first game.
The United States will play the runner up from Group B, either Brazil, Peru or Ecuador, in Seattle at CenturyLink Field on Thursday in the quarterfinals.
The L.A. Galaxy’s Gyasi Zardes assisted Clint Dempsey‘s goal in the U.S. victory as defender John Brooks and goalie Brad Guzan teamed up to shut down Paraguay.
Thank you Lord! amazing TEAM performance tonight! Thank you fans 4 all of your support. Excited about the next round pic.twitter.com/tlskJNMLOD
— Gyasi Zardes (@gyasinho) June 12, 2016
.@j_brooks25 with a tackle-and-a-half to thwart a Paraguay counterattack. #USAvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/9NjwlecZNA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 11, 2016
.@bguzan #USAvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/hFku3XcFOn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2016
The United States played almost the entire second half with 10 men as defender DeAndre Yedlin was sent off for two yellow cards. The Seattle native will be suspended for the quarterfinal match, which will be played in his hometown.
Despite the loss Saturday, Colombia still advances to the quarterfinal and will face the Group B winner.
