Dempsey leads U.S. past Costa Rica, 2-0

Americans will face Mexico or Jamaica next

ARLINGTON, Texas — Clint Dempsey fed Jozy Altidore for the goahead goal, then scored on a free kick to match Landon Donovan’s American record with his 57th international goal and lead the United States over Costa Rica 2-0 Saturday night and into the CONCACAF Gold Cup championship game.

Playing in his home state of Texas, the 34-year-old Dempsey entered in the 66th minute and made a perfectly timed through pass six minutes later that allowed Altidore to break in alone and beat goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton with a left-footed shot from 10 yards.

Dempsey doubled the lead in the 82nd minute with a 27-yard shot that went around a four-man defensive wall and got past Pemberton on two bounces.

Trying for their sixth Gold Cup title and first since 2013, the Americans play Mexico or Jamaica in the final on Wednesday at Santa Clara, California.

The U.S. improved to 8-0-5 since Bruce Arena replaced Jurgen Klinsmann in November and returned for a second stint as national team coach.

MEXICO-JAMAICA: Mexico faces Jamaica tonight at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., El Tri’s home away from home, for a spot in the championship game against the United States.

MLS

NEW YORK CITY FC 2, FIRE 1: In New York, David Villa and Frederic Brillant scored minutes apart early in the second half and New York City FC beat Chicago to extend its home unbeaten streak to seven games.

The Fire had an 11-game unbeaten streak dating to April 29.

RED BULLS 3, MINNESOTA UNITED 0: In Minneapolis, Daniel Royer had a goal and an assist as New York (10-8-2) won its third consecutive road match.

FC DALLAS 2, IMPACT 1: In Montreal, Cristian Colman scored his first two goals of the season, both in the second half, and FC Dallas rallied to beat Montreal.

REVOLUTION 4, GALAXY 3: In Foxborough, Mass., Teal Bunbury scored twice, Diego Fagundez had three assists and New England beat Los Angeles to snap a four-game losing streak and extend the Galaxy’s losing skid to five.

RAPIDS 1, TORONTO FC 1: In Toronto, Dominique Badji scored in the 76th minute and Colorado earned its first road point of the season.

DYNAMO 3, D.C. UNITED 1: In Washington, Andrew Wenger had one goal and one assist, Alex Lima added three assists and Houston beat D.C. United — which has lost five straight — for its first road victory of the season.

CREW 1, UNION 0: In Columbus, Ohio, Justin Meram scored his careerbest ninth goal of the season to help Columbus beat Philadelphia.