Maybe without the flare that was expected after some wonderful warmup results against top opponents, but the USMNT managed to defeat Haiti at Foxboro, securing their spot in the knockout stage. The third goal by Clint Dempsey in the tournament was too much for the Haitians to overcome, but the visitors enjoyed quite a few chances in order to prove their hopes of qualifying to the next round.
The first half of the match saw Haiti come closer to scoring , even sending a ball to the crossbar and enjoying a few chances via Donald Guerrier, the biggest threat for the United States' defense. The hosts had a goal disallowed due to a non-existent offside, leaving everything to be decided on the second half.
After the break, Klinsmann decided to give Gyasi Zardes a chance to redeem himself after a disappointing performance in the team's first game. The LA Galaxy man thanked his manager's trust by giving the game-deciding assist to Clint Dempsey, who's right-footed strike was too much for goalkeeper Placide to handle. This was Dempsey's eighth Gold Cup goal, and he is now tied with Mexican Oribe Peralta as the tournament's goal scoring leaders.
Gyasi ---> Deuce, just like that http://t.co/NYAVUKkwXn
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 11, 2015
Of course, fans and experts did not waste any time to show their respect for Dempsey's skills, which have proven to be quite useful for the Americans. Here are the best comments about his performance.
Dempsey! Brilliant work from Zardes to set it up! 1-0!
— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) July 11, 2015
.@clint_dempsey has scored in 2 straight #CONCACAF Gold Cup games for the 2nd time in his career ... #GoldCup2015 @SoundersFC @ussocccer
— Gold Cup 2015 (@GoldCup) July 11, 2015
.@clint_dempsey has scored in 2 straight #CONCACAF Gold Cup games for the 2nd time in his career ... #GoldCup2015 @SoundersFC @ussocccer
— Gold Cup 2015 (@GoldCup) July 11, 2015
gyas zardes is gona be a beast
— Skizzius Maximus III (@SkizzyMars) July 11, 2015
Another wonder sub for klinsi. He is the man. Jozy had to sit. Beauty ball by Zardes. #teamklinsiforlife
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 11, 2015
Other fans did not forget about their hated opponent...El Tri.
The #USMNT has six points in the Gold Cup, which is double points Mexico has
— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) July 11, 2015