PHILADELPHIA: Defenders Omar Gonzalez and Eric Lichaj scored a goal apiece in the closing minutes of the first half to send the United States into the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over El Salvador on Wednesday.

The US will meet Costa Rica in Arlington, Texas on Saturday after the Ticos beat Panama 1-0 courtesy of an own goal from midfielder Anibal Godoy in the first match of a quarter-final doubleheader at Lincoln Field.

With the host team looking to win the tournament for a sixth time, centre back Gonzalez broke the deadlock when he deflected Michael Bradley’s free kick into the net with a diving header in the 41st minute.

Right back Lichaj then ran onto Clint Dempsey’s through ball to double the advantage in first-half stoppage time when he beat goalkeeper Derby Carrillo with a firm, low shot.

However Bruce Arena’s side were made to work all the way by El Salvador, and only some superb saves from Tim Howard kept the Central American side at bay.

“They pressed us well and we weren’t good enough with the ball to break their press,” Howard said afterwards.

“We got the two goals before half-time and that was obviously good for us. But we knew they were going to cause us problems.

“It’s good to get the win. We can work on a few things, but that’s what this tournament’s about.”

The Americans now face 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica.

The match represents an opportunity for the US to avenge their humiliating 4-0 loss to Costa Rica during 2018 World Cup qualifiers last year.

Howard however insisted score-settling would not be on the agenda.

“It’s not about what happened in the past,” he said. “It’s about winning on Saturday night and getting to a final.”

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2017