Football
Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondent 7y

Clint Dempsey a difference maker for the United States - Bruce Arena

ARLINGTON, Texas -- United States men's national team manager Bruce Arena hailed the performance of his side, as well as that of Clint Dempsey, in the Americans 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the semifinals of the Gold Cup.

Dempsey entered the match as a substitute midway through the second half, and unlocked a tight, tense battle with as assist on Jozy Altidore's goal in the 72nd minute. He later scored a goal off a free kick 10 minutes later, sealing what was the U.S. team's most complete performance of the tournament.

"I thought it was a very good game, I thought both teams played well," said Arena at his postgame news conference. "Our second half was very good; certainly big goals by Altidore and Dempsey. As you can all notice, Clint made a difference when he came in the game. But I thought on the night we played pretty well and I was pleased with the overall performance."

Dempsey's goal was his 57th with the U.S., tying Landon Donovan for the all-time U.S. scoring record.

"It's a fabulous record for any player to have with his national team," said Arena. "For Clint to tie the record held by Landon, who is such a well known figure in the history of U.S. soccer, is tremendous. I know it was something that was important to Clint. To score that goal in a big game I'm sure makes it even more special for him."

With Dempsey now 34, there has been increasing debate about whether he should continue to be in the starting lineup or be used as a substitute. But Arena said he had held talks with Dempsey about his role going forward, and that the striker understood the situation.

"He understands there's going to be games he'll start, games where he'll play the role he played tonight," said Arena about Dempsey. "Things can change in other directions, but that's the plan right now."

After watching Dempsey go 90 minutes in the 2-0 quarterfinal victory over El Salvador, Arena said he thought it best that Dempsey's minutes be reduced, and that it was his plan all along to bring the Seattle Sounders forward off the bench between the 60th and 70th minute.

"Stuff happens, you never know, but that was the thinking," he said.

It paid off in a big way for the Americans. On the first U.S. goal, Dempsey evaded two defenders and then put Altidore in alone on goal, who delivered a composed finish to put the U.S. 1-0 up. Dempsey later buried his free kick from 25 yards, beating Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton to his near post.

"At that point in the game, both teams were a little bit tired, and certainly Costa Rica spent a lot of energy chasing the ball on the evening," said Arena. "We just needed a little more technical ability in the last third of the field; passing and finishing. Certainly that's what Clint offers."

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