The United States did not start their quarterfinal match against El Salvador well.
Eric Lichaj’s early back pass was nearly converted for a goal if not for the timely intervention of Tim Howard well off his line. Right before the half, it was Lichaj who made a striker’s run from fullback to double the US lead.
Omar Gonzalez opened the scoring for the USA as they were able to battle past El Salvador in a testy CONCACAF matchup that could’ve seen multiple players ejected.
El Salvador nearly took the lead in the 3rd minute as Lichaj mishit a backpass to Howard.