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.
There was a point, after the USMNT had been destroyed by Brazil, lost to Mexico, drew Trinidad and Tobago and lost against Guatemala, that Jurgen Klinsmann's job seemed very much on the line.
The dizzying heights of the 2014 World Cup seemed an eternity ago. The constant cut-and-paste approach that Klinsmann seemed to take resembled a six-year-old playing FIFA. The USMNT was at its lowest point in years.
Don’t laugh, the United States of America has every reason to believe they can win the Copa America Centenario. Having clinched a birth in the quarter-finals, it’s as good a time as any to dissect this American squad.
In Brad Guzan, they have one of the best goalkeepers on the continent. John Brooks absolutely nullified Paraguay in the most complete manner a defender can. Michael Bradley continues to grow in stature from his holding midfield role, and the USA boasts enough attacking options to trouble the entire Copa field.
A lot was said in the buildup to Tuesday night’s United States versus Costa Rica Copa America group match. For the USA, the stakes were simple enough: win or go stay home. The USA triumphantly answered any questions about their ability to make an impact in this tournament, thrashing the world’s 23rd ranked side 4-0.
The United States were punished 2-0 by Colombia on Friday night to open the 2016 Copa America Centenario. A heavily pro-Colombian crowd in Santa Clara, California, watched as Geoff Cameron carelessly allowed Cristian Zapata to put his side ahead early before James Rodriguez capitalized from the spot on a sophomoric handball from DeAndre Yedlin.
The USMNT face Colombia in the first match of the Copa America Centenario tonight, and they will have to put on a strong showing in order to get anything from the match. They have a potentially tough group that includes World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica and last year's fourth place Copa finishers, Paraguay. It is important for the U.S. to start strong in the hopes of grabbing what could be three vital points.
The United States kicks off the Copa America Centenario on Friday against the world’s fourth ranked team, Colombia. For Jurgen Klinsmann and the US, the match is similar to their World Cup opener against Ghana two years ago. In a difficult group containing Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay, the USA needs a positive result if they are to harbor any hope of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s record and accomplishments with the United States national team are well known. After winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2013, his fortunes have gradually taken a turn for the worse. The 2016 Copa America represents a massive chance for Klinsmann and the US squad to make the country proud again, but of the highest importance is the continued buildup to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
As Ian Darke would say: "Goal Goal USA!" The USA utilized their substitute Darlington Nagbe to the best of scenarios. Nagbe scoring his first goal for the United States, clinched the victory for the Americans in the 90th minute to beat Ecuador in an international friendly. An exciting moment for him and the USA as they prepare for Copa America.
The United States enters the 2016 Copa America Centenario with the support of an entire nation behind them, but realistic expectations call for a quarterfinal showing at best. For US manager Jurgen Klinsmann, this tournament represents a glorious opportunity to defy the odds and reach the tournament semifinals.
Standing in the way of the US includes a difficult group containing Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay and a potential quarterfinal matchup against either Brazil or Ecuador.