USA vs. Paraguay, Copa America 2016: Final score 1-0, United States advances to quarterfinals with win

The United States men's national team defeated Paraguay, 1-0, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The win clinches a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa America Centenario.

Both teams opened the first with scoring opportunities, kicking off what would be a back and forth match.

Clint Dempsey scored the match's lone goal in the 27th minute. Gyasi Zardes made a long run down the left side of the field and centered the ball to Dempsey, who finished from ten yards out.

Paraguay took control after the goal, but were unable convert despite having the lion's share of opportunities. American goalkeeper Brad Guzan made several saves on shots from point blank range.

Fullback DeAndre Yedlin was given two yellow cards in quick succession and was sent off in the 48th minute.

After the U.S. went down a man, the field tilted even further in Paraguay's favor. However, the United States, led by the towering John Anthony Brooks, were able to withstand several furious attacks and clinch the victory.

With the win, the U.S. finished group play with six points from three matches.

Thoughts

• Bobby Wood's hold up play was very good. He also combined well with Dempsey.  Wood was jobbed a few times by the referee and should have drawn a few fouls, but such is life. His performance is exactly what you want from a striker when down a man and up a goal.
• John Brooks came up with a huge stop in the 11th minute on a 3-on-1 break by Paraguay. He's been very good this entire tournament. The U.S., a team that's had back line struggles recently, have found their stalwart.
• Yedlin is young, but he's not young enough for his indiscretion to be chalked up to a learning experience. His first yellow card was questionable, but the second was earned. It was a rash, foolish challenge, especially since it came seconds after the initial caution. A Premier League and national team fullback should know better.
• We experienced Good Gyasi and Bad Gyasi again. Good Gyasi had a great run and assist in the first half. Bad Gyasi scuffed a breakaway in the 63rd minute, throwing away a goal that would have put the match away.

  — James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) June 12, 2016

  For now, we're seeing enough of Good Gyasi for him to stay in the starting lineup, but Bad Gyasi is incredibly frustrating when he shows up.
• Brad Guzan was on fire tonight. It's the sort of performance he needed after a bad year for club and country. Hopefully he can build off of this.

What's next?

What did you think of the match? Let us know in the comment section.