U.S. reaches final with 2-0 shutout of Costa Rica

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

Playing in his home state of Texas, Dempsey, 34, 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 out.

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.

Dempsey has made 136 international appearances, trailing only Cobi Jones (164) and Donovan (157) among players from the United States.

The assist was his 20th for the men’s national team.

Trying for their sixth Gold Cup championship and first since 2013, the Americans play Mexico or Jamaica in the final Wednesday night at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

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

Donovan, who played his last international match in 2014, was at the match as a commentator for Fox and said on the broadcast: “Congratulations Clint. Feel free to stop now.”