In the most evenly matched Copa America quarter-final, the United States will face Ecuador on Thursday at Seattle’s Century Link Field.
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes his side possess the necessary depth to make it as far as possible in the Copa America Centenario ahead of a quarterfinal with Ecuador.
The USA and Ecuador faced each other in a warmup friendly before the competition, in which the former came out a 1-0 winner.
But Klinsmann knows that will mean nothing in their last-eight clash, especially considering Ecuador were without the likes of Antonio Valencia and Walter Ayovi.
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Ecuador will feel confident of making the semifinals for the first time since 1993, after avoiding defeat against Brazil, Peru and Haiti in Group B.
Ecuador coach Gustavo Quinteros says his team is ready for the challenge, but know the home side will not be easy to beat.
Ecuador finished second in group B with draws to Brazil and Peru, and a victory over Haiti. Ecuador absolutely dominated Les Grenadiers in its recent match by getting 22 shots overall and 10 shots on goal in a 4-0 victory. Ecuador has relied on its defense throughout the tournament by pitching two shutouts and allowing just eight shots on target in three matches. Ecuador has allowed two or less goals in each of its last five matches. Offensively, Enner Valencia has led the way for La Tricolor with two goals, two assists and 11 shot attempts in his last two matches. This is the first time Ecuador has made the quarterfinals of Copa America since 1997.
Ecuador Roster
Goalkeepers: Maximo Banguera (Barcelona), Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito), Esteban Dreer (Emelec)
Defenders: Gabriel Achiller (Emelec), Robert Arboleda (Universidad Catolica), Walter Ayovi (Monterrey), Frickson Erazo (Atletico Mineiro), Arturo Mina (Independiente), Juan Carlos Paredes (Watford), Cristian Ramirez (Ferencvaros)
Midfielders: Michael Arroyo (America), Fernando Gaibor (Emelec), Carlos Gruezo (FC Dallas), Pedro Larrea (El Nacional), Fidel Martinez (Pumas UNAM), Angel Mena (Emelec), Jefferson Montero (Swansea City), Christian Noboa (FC Rostov), Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
Forwards: Jamie Ayovi (Godoy Cruz), Miller Bolaños (Gremio), Juan Cazares (Atletico Mineiro), Enner Valencia (West Ham)
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The United States ended up winning group A after back-to-back victories over Costa Rica and Paraguay. USA has not allowed a single goal in its last two matches and has given up eight shots on goal during that span with 26 shots overall. The United States is far more engaged than it was in its opening match against Colombia, as it’s dialed in defensively and tends to push the pace more offensively when needed. Clint Dempsey has certainly put team USA on his back with two goals and two assists in his last two matches. The United States have made it out of the quarterfinals of Copa America just once, which was in 1995.
U.S. Roster
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa / England), Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids), Ethan Horvath (Molde / Norway)
Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin / Germany), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City / England), Edgar Castillo (Monterrey / Mexico), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Moenchengladbach / Germany), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana / Mexico), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland / England)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (FC Nantes / France),Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Jermaine Jones (Colorado Rapids), Perry Kitchen(Heart of Midlothian / Scotland), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Graham Zusi(Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards: Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund / Germany), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Bobby Wood (Union Berlin / Germany), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
Copa America Centenario quarterfinal schedule
Thursday
United States vs. Ecuador in Seattle, 9:30 p.m. (FS1, UniMas)
Friday
Colombia vs. Peru in East Rutherford, N.J., 8 p.m. (FS1, UniMas)
Saturday
Argentina vs. Venezuela in Foxborough, Mass., 7 p.m. (FX, Univision)
Mexico vs. Chile in Santa Clara, Calif., 10 p.m. (FX, Univision)
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