The US Men's National team is through.
Clint Dempsey scored his 51st goal for the Red, White & Blue in the 27th minute, sending the US on to the Knockout Round of the Copa America Centenario. After Costa Rica surprised Colombia, 3-2, to cap the action in Group A, the U.S. victory was enough to land Jurgen Klinsmann's side at the top of the group, setting up a Thursday night quarterfinal match in Seattle against either Peru or Ecuador.
Matchcenter: USA vs. Paraguay Stats
Midway through the opening half, after taking a pass from Michael Bradley, LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes waited out a pair of defenders to play a low cross toward the middle of the box. Dempsey met it full force, squirting a left-footed shot beneath diving Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar.
The second half barely opened before DeAndre Yedlin managed to pick up a pair of yellow cards (47', 48'), leaving the Yanks down a man for more than 40 minutes. Klinsmann quickly subbed Dempsey out for defender Michael Orozco to provide stronger defense in the formation, and the US proved able to maintain the result.
John Brooks played a stellar game in central defense, including a goal-saving tackle in the 11th, and Brad Guzan's scrambling double-save in the 82nd minute helped seal the victory.
Scoring Summary
27' - USA - Clint Dempsey (Gyasi Zardes)
Ben Couch is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com
