USA move on to Gold Cup semis with 2-0 win over El Salvador

In a typical CONCACAF slugfest, the US Men’s National Team scratched and clawed their way past a primitive El Salvador to advance in the Gold Cup Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

The US had to endure the regressive tactics of a El Salvador team well-versed in the dark arts, and Gyasi Zardes was robbed of a goal in the 30th minute when a neat finish was ruled offside, but Bruce Arena’s men would respond with a pair of goals right before the half. First Omar Gonzalez hung in the air just long enough to slightly re-direct a set piece past goalkeeper Derby Carillo, then Clint Dempsey brilliant tunred before slipping in the swashbuckling Lichac, who swept a low finish past Carillo to doubled the lead.

The second half was kind of a joke, which was no fault of the Americans, El Salvador just refused to bow out of the tournament with dignity, opting to foul, elbow, even bite the USA players on every occasion.

However, the US held their nerve, and will battle Costa Rica in the semis Saturday night.