U.S. reaches Copa America quarterfinals

The United States advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa America, getting a first-half goal from Clint Dempsey and overcoming DeAndre Yedlin’s early secondhalf ejection to beat Paraguay 1-0 on Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Dempsey scored his 51st international goal in the 27th minute, but the Americans’ defense was upended just three minutes into the second half.

Yedlin got his first yellow card in the 47th for a slide tackle from the side into Miguel Almiron near the center circle, then when play resumed he raised a foot and charged into Miguel Samudio near a sideline. Chilean referee Julio Bascunan immediately gave a second yellow.

American goalkeeper Brad Guzan made an outstanding body stop on a short-range shot in the 82nd minute, then made a kick save on an attempt off the rebound. Gustavo Gomez put the ball past Guzan in the 89th but was whistled for offside.

Hosting the 100th anniversary of South America’s championship, the U.S. (2-1) will finish first or second in Group A depending on the result of Colombia’s match against Costa Rica later Saturday and will play a quarterfinal match against Brazil, Peru or Ecuador at Seattle or East Rutherford, New Jersey. Colombia also has clinched a knockout stage berth.

Paraguay (0-2-1), which lost to Argentina in the semifinals of last year’s Copa America, was eliminated.