USA down Ecuador 2-1 in stormy encounter to reach Copa America Centenario semi-finals

Clint Dempsey struck again as the United States powered through to the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Thursday in a stormy 2-0 win over Ecuador that saw both sides finish with 10 men.

Dempsey scored his third goal in as many games for Juergen Klinsmann’s side at CenturyLink Field, pouncing on 22 minutes before setting up a second for Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes in the 65th minute.

Michael Arroyo pulled a goal back for Ecuador in the 74th minute to set up a frantic finale, but the US held on and will now face either Argentina or Venezuela in the semi-finals in Houston next week.

But the victory came at a cost for Klinsmann’s side who saw key midfielder Jermaine Jones sent off early in the second half to earn a suspension which will see him miss the semi-final.

France-based midfielder Alejandro Bedoya and Hamburg striker Bobby Wood also earned yellow cards that will see them suspended for the last four.

For Ecuador, Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards before triggering the melee which led to Jones’ dismissal.