There was some good goals, tough tackles, bad blood and late drama. It was everything you want to see in a knockout stage game. In the end, the United States survived Ecuador by a 2-1 scoreline to advance to the Copa America Centenario Semifinals.

Clint Dempsey got the US on the board in Seattle when he headed home a Jermaine Jones cross in the first half. After two red cards, one for each side, the Americans managed to double their lead in the 65th minute.

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes tapped in a Dempsey shot to seemingly put the game out of reach.

But Ecuador wasn't done. They pulled one back in the 74th minute then had several chances late on to equalize. American keeper Brad Guzan continued to stand tall, however, and the United States escaped.

Their next challenge might be the toughest they faced. Argentina plays Venezuela Saturday night in another quarterfinal. The USMNT will meet the winner of that game in Houston next Tuesday.