US into Copa last four after Dempsey stri

SEATTLE: 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 Jurgen 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, as key midfielder Jermaine Jones was 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.Earlier, a cagey start had seen both sides begin tentatively before Jones and Michael Bradley steadily imposed themselves in midfield as the US started to gain the upper hand.Wood’s speed troubled the Ecuador defense on 17 minutes, when he darted onto a low pass only to prod his finish well wide of the advancing Alexander Dominguez. Yet five minutes later the US took the lead with a beautifully worked goal that began when Dempsey gathered in midfield and released Wood, who fed Jones near the edge of the area.The midfielder picked out Dempsey with a superb cross and the former Tottenham and Fulham stalwart duly headed home.Five minutes later Dempsey was threatening again, this time his shot well-saved by Dominguez.