LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides the Three Things We Learned from the United States’ 1-0 victory over Paraguay in their final Copa America Centenario group stage match.
CLINT DEMPSEY STILL CARRYING THE USMNT
Clint Dempsey may be 33 years old, but the U.S. National Team remains dependent on production from the veteran forward.
Dempsey scored the only goal of the evening in the USMNT’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Philadelphia. The goal is Dempsey’s second of a tournament that began with many calling for the Seattle Sounders’ striker to be phased out of the team’s starting XI. Despite boasting young attackers like Gyasi Zardes, Christian Pulisic, and Bobby Wood, Dempsey remains the team’s most lethal scoring threat
With the Americans booking their ticket to the competition’s knockout rounds after their win over Paraguay, Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad will need plenty more from Dempsey to progress past the quarterfinals.
GUZAN SHOWS WHY HE'S THE USMNT'S TOP GOALKEEPER
Brad Guzan enjoyed one of best night since in United States goalkeeper shirt on Saturday as he kept a clean sheet against a determined Paraguay side.
The Aston Villa ‘keeper made six saves including a huge double stop in the 87th minute to keep his second consecutive clean sheet of the tournament. Not only did Guzan make the big saves when called upon, but the 31-year-old was also dominated his box and cut down several dangerous attempts by the South Americans. It wasn’t all Guzan, however, as the central defense pairing of Geoff Cameron and John Brooks helped snuff out a Paraguayan side that controlled the match after Dempsey’s goal.
As the Americans turn their focus to the knockout rounds, the USMNT’s hopes in the Copa America Centenario will hinge on Guzan’s ability to continue to make important saves.
GYASI ZARDES GETS THE JOB DONE AGAINST PARAGUAY
Gyasi Zardes did all that was asked of him in the United States’ 1-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday.
Zardes’ 90-minute shift wasn’t always perfect, but the LA Galaxy striker put his stamp on the crucial victory. In the 27th minute, Zardes dribbled down the left side of defense and shook a pair of Paraguayan defenders with a pause before launching a pinpoint cross to Dempsey for the USMNT’s lone goal.
The striker nearly found the back of the net midway through the second half, only to see his attempt blocked after a heavy touch in the box. As the half wore on, Zardes’ hold-up play was vital as the Galaxy forward worked tirelessly to help the Americans keep the shutout.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atwww.LAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
