The U.S. is heading to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the ninth straight time, riding first-half goals from Omar Gonzalez and Eric Lichaj to a chippy 2-0 win over El Salvador on Wednesday.
The U.S., unbeaten in 12 games under coach Bruce Arena, will play Costa Rica on Saturday in Arlington, Texas. The Central Americans advanced to the semifinals for just the second time in 14 years with a 1-0 winner over Panama in Wednesday’s first quarterfinal.
Arena added five starters to his lineup for the knockout round after cruising through group play unbeaten and the U.