For the second time ever, the U.S. men's national team is through to the Copa America semifinals. On Thursday night in Seattle, the U.S. produced another convincing display to beat Ecuador 2-1 in the quarterfinals and set up a date with the winner of Argentina-Venezuela on Tuesday.

Clint Dempsey continued to shine brighter than the North Star, grabbing a fine header goal in the first half and an assist in the second half as the hosts held on frantically late for the win. After Dempsey's goal gave the U.S. all the momentum, things evened out early in the second half when two boneheads did the unthinkable, resulting in each team losing a player.

Playing 10 on 10, Dempsey was back at it in the second half setting up Gyasi Zardes for the team's winning goal 65 minutes in.

Michael Arroyo got one back for Ecuador off a fine set piece with just over 15 minutes to go, setting up a wild finish, which saw Ecuador striker Enner Valencia miss two golden headers in front of the goal, but the U.S. held on to the 2-1 victory and moved on.

After losing the cup opener, the U.S. is playing better in each match, just at the right time.

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How they got here: The United States finished in first place in Group A with six points, while Ecuador was second in Group B with five points.

Familiar foes: These two teams met not too long ago, playing in a friendly before the Copa America in late May. On that night, the U.S. didn't play well but won the match 1-0 on a late Darlington Nagbe goal. So these teams know a good amount about each other entering this contest.

USA outlook: The U.S. has two things going for itself, and the first is the team's form. The stars and stripes looked quality against Costa Rica and then did well to fight off Paraguay in a 1-0 victory, playing most of the second half with 10 men. Playing at home in Seattle with a pro-USA crowd that will scream loud and proud, the U.S. should feel really good about its chances.

Ecuador outlook: Ecuador is undefeated in the competition and earned valuable draws against Brazil and Peru before thrashing Haiti 4-0 to advance to the quarters. This team has so much speed and tested talent. This could be one of the top sides Ecuador has ever had, and they are hungry for a run to the final.

What's at stake: Oh, you know, just a spot in the semifinals of the Copa America, the most important international cup in the Western Hemisphere. The winner of this will take on the victor of Argentina-Venezuela in Houston next week for a spot in the final.

Who is out: The U.S. is without defender DeAndre Yedlin, who picked up two yellow cards in a minute against Paraguay on Saturday, resulting in a red card and suspension for this match.

Projecting starting XIs: USA - Guzan; Orozco, Cameron, Brooks, Johnson; Jones, Bradley, Bedoya; Zardes, Wood, Dempsey. Ecuador - Dominguez; Erazo, Meza, W. Ayovi, Paredes; Gruezo, Noboa, J. Ayovi, A. Valencia; E. Valencia, Montero.

Prediction: USA 2, Ecuador 1

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