After a 2-0 defeat to Colombia in the Copa America opener, optimism was shattered for the US Men's National Team. The Americans generated few chances, their captain looked ill-equipped and it seemed that this tournament would be more of the same for Jurgen Klinsmann's side.The loss produced negativity from everywhere (including this blog) as Klinsmann's job came into question and many wondered whether or not the US would ever be able to take the next step in international competition. Klinsmann remained calm, saying that he felt his team played well, but it did nothing to quiet those who were disappointed in the Americans' opening act.
But disappointments have transformed back into optimism over the past week as the US closed out the group stage in impressive fashion. The Americans had to earn a win over Costa Rica to stay alive, and they left little doubt, defeating Los Ticos 4-0. They followed it up with a 1-0 win over Paraguay, playing stellar defense down the stretch with only 10 men for the final 40-plus minutes after DeAndre Yedlin's red card.
The pair of wins gave the US a group win with the next task being Ecuador in the quarterfinals. This is a match the Americans can certainly win, and if they do, it would most likely set up a semifinal match against Lionel Messi and Argentina. But that's down the road. Right now, the job is to knock out Ecuador, a team that features quality play up front in Enner Valencia and Antonio Valencia.
The US and Ecuador met in a May 25 friendly in which Darlington Nagbe produced the game-winning goal for the Americans in the 90th minute. Antonio Valencia did not play in that match after winning the FA Cup with Manchester United earlier in the week.
The biggest issue for the US entering Thursday's match will be replacing Yedlin who is suspended after his red card against Paraguay. Consistency, something Klinsmann has never shown during his time as manager, has been key for the US so far in the Copa America as they have put out the same lineup However, he will be forced to shift things around with Yedlin out and seven other players with a yellow card.
Losing Yedlin for any match would hurt, but especially against a side with as much firepower up front as Ecuador. Enner Valencia has tallied two goals and two assists during the Copa, while Antonio found the back of the net once and assisted another. The pair have had a hand in four of La Tri's six goals so far in the tournament.
A win over 13th-ranked Ecuador would give Klinsmann a signature win in a major tournament, while also helping the Americans accomplish their goal of reaching the semifinals. It won't be easy to advance, but the US has shown they can play well when their backs are against the wall. For a manager trying to quiet his constant critics, Thursday night's match is as big as it gets.
The United States and Ecuador kick off at 8:30 p.m. CT on FS1.
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