:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49869421/usa-today-9309902.0.jpg)
The group stage of the Copa America Centenario has come and gone. The United States won their very difficult group thanks to some late drama and help from a fellow CONCACAF team. They've been "rewarded" with a match-up against Ecuador in Seattle. The same country they beat, 1-0, in a pre-tournament friendly in late May.
When all is said and done, friendlies do not matter. It's the real and true competitive matches that tell the story. Whatever advantage or knowledge the U.S. think they may have gained from that victory in Frisco goes out the window when the ref blows the opening whistle tonight. It's a clean slate for both sides hungry to earn a spot in the semifinals.
Both teams had their ups and downs in the group stage of the competition and are entering the knockout rounds on a high. The U.S. won their final two group matches, while Ecuador blew out Haiti to claim the runner-up spot in Group B. It should be an even match-up without a clear favorite. Hopefully the expected pro-USA crowd will be the difference maker and help the Americans gain an edge.
Pre-game coverage on Fox Sports 1 begins at 8:00 p.m. ET with a 90 minute block scheduled. JP Dellacamera and Landon Donovan are scheduled to be calling the match from Seattle's CenturyLink Field, while Jenny Taft will be the sideline reporter.
How to Watch
Kickoff time: 9:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. PT
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, UniMas, Univision Deportes
Available Streaming: Fox Sports Go, Univision Deportes, fuboTV (free trial), Sling TV