The U.S. Men’s National Team saw just about everything in their 2-1 win over Ecuador, but the squad’s mainstay forward helped guide them to victory with an admirable effort up front.
The USMNT forward scored his third goal of the tournament on Thursday night, while also providing an assist on the team’s second finish. For his efforts, Dempsey earned SBI USMNT Man of the Match honors.
Dempsey gave the U.S. the lead after 22 minutes when the Seattle Sounders attacker met Jermaine Jones’ cross and powered it home off his head. After being involved in various attacks throughout the night, Dempsey’s helper on Gyasi Zardes’ tap-in winner proved to be the difference against a pesky Ecuador side.
Dempsey earned himself SBI USMNT Man of the Match honors over Bobby Wood, John Brooks and Gyasi Zardes.
What did you think of Dempsey’s performance? Which player stood out to you in Thursday’s quarterfinals win?
Share your thoughts below.
Both goals were musculed by Mr. Dempsey. MOTM for sure, nobody else in the US pool can do what he can do. Inspiring stuff by the man from Nacogdoches
Scored in three straight world cups, and some crucial goals. Scored in the Confederations Cup. Against Spain, which hadn’t been defeated in a few years. Scored in Copa America. best big game player in US history.
Dempsey made it all happen upfront. He is the MOTM by a country mile. A few others played very well, too.
dempsey was great, but i’d give it to brooks.
Dempsey gets deserved credit for his involvement in both goals, but yes there were other players that played better for the entirety of the match. So many options. In order:
1. Dempsey only because goals win games.
2. Wood
3. Brooks
4. Tie between Guzan and F. Johnson
6. Cameron for his D but more importantly his passing. Seemed like Cameron was just bypassing Jones and Bradley and getting his Pirlo on. 😉
7. Zardes
Key Points:
Dempsey…. clutch- made things happen… fought through fouls! worked his butt off on both ends. Dude wanted it badly.
Wood- gave the Ecuador backline fits with his speed, continued runs, workrate and physicality.
Brooks. Rock solid. Great in the air, solid marking, solid tackles, calm on the ball- fast becoming a top class complete CB- think there will be big club eyes on him.
Guzman- So happy to see him looking so rock solid. Aggressive when ball is in air.Feeling/looking/ Inspiring confidence.
Zardes- work. Work. WORK.
Other than JJs b o n e h e a d e d ejection- I have few complaints. TEAM win. Props to all.
Best goal scorer in US history. He deserves the accolades. I like what one of the commentators said after the game. He’s someone you would want to be your friend because you know he will have your back.
Wood dominated the tenor of the game in the first half. Without his work Dempsey never gets that cross from Jones. With a willing runner, his slow roller was an easy tap-in, but no one from the US seemed able to catch up (or even be in a position to try). Wood also made very few mistakes. Still Dempsey did what the does by scoring and by being the guy who draws a lot of fouls up top.
The 4-3-3 ain’t his game, but he is by far our best attacking player, may go down as our best ever, and you can’t bench him. Is it 3 goals and 3 assists on our 7 goals this tourney? Damn near same thing in the (terrible) Gold Cup last year. A lot of people hate on Deuce, but we’ll damn sure be sad when he is gone. Dude has fire.
My motm is guzan. So many crucial saves
Gotta say I’ve been harsh on Clint but he was very good in this game