USA defenders double up in Gold Cup win over El Salvador

Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley sent in a lofting cross into the middle from a free kick, and Gonzalez just got his head under it to send it over the outstretched hand of El Salvador keeper Derby Carillo.

Gyasi Zardes had a goal called off in the first half for offside, with replays indicating that call was incorrect.

That victory moved the USA’s dominant record against Los Cuscatlecos to 16-1-5 all-time, with a ideal 5-0-0 edge in CONCACAF Gold Cup play. Bradley’s tantalizing set piece delivery from the left flank was nodded into the back of the net by Gonzalez, who tallied his second goal in as many Gold Cup matches and the third goal of his worldwide career.

The European-based players who usually play for the national team have been given time off from their national team duties until World Cup qualifying resumes September 1 against Costa Rica.

Lichaj, trying to earn a spot as the primary backup to DeAndre Yedlin at right back, was played in by Dempsey in the second minute of stoppage time and beat sliding defender Ivan Mancia to score on an angled shot through the goalkeeper’s legs from 6 yards.

The U.S.is 35th on the rankings compiled by Federation Internationale de Football Association.

Then moments later, Romero went back for more, as cameras caught him biting Altidore. She’s mad at Romero, ’cause she’s like: “‘Only I can bite you, only I can grab your nipples”‘.

Whatever Romero’s motives, it worked. They’re a good team – quick, very technical, and so by all means it won’t be an easy game.

In both instances, referee Drew Fischer didn’t do anything.

The time to evaluate players is over.

It wasn’t seen on camera but Altidore wasn’t the only one who experienced a bit of teeth in his flesh.

The second half featured more mistakes from the American back line, but El Salvador simply couldn’t take advantage.

“I told the players we deserved to be here and we put Curacao on the map”, Curacao coach Remko Bicentini said. You’d have to figure that Arena will stay away from making massive changes the rest of the way, wanting to win the cup. We didn’t deal well with the physicality. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t win the game.

Jordan Morris survived the last round of cuts, probably due to his goal-scoring heroics in the Group Play match against upstart Martinique, but his Sounders teammate Cristian Roldan was left off the knockout round roster by Arena to make room for the cavalry. And while Arena didn’t say this, I felt the United States was lucky they weren’t playing from behind due to that slow start.

Bruce Arena knows a strong Gold Cup performance is crucial for this USA squad, and given their opponent for the quarterfinal, no less than a trip to the final would be a bitter disappointment. Canada (1-2-0) at 7:30 on FS1 followed by Mexico (2-1-0) vs. Honduras (1-1-1) at 10:30 on FS1 from University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The winners meet at the Rose Bowl in the Semifinal.