It wasn't easy, but the Stars and Stripes will return to a Copa América semi-final 21 years after their last appearance in this stage of the competition.
Fueled by Clint Dempsey's clutch performance, Jürgen Klinsmann's men managed to beat Ecuador for the second time in the last three weeks, but the South American side didn't make things easy for the Americans, giving them some worries before the end of regulation.
Clint Dempsey's opener helped him reach 52 goals with the USMNT, five goals shy from the all-time record owned by Landon Donovan.
El gol de @clint_dempsey con el que @ussoccer derrota 1-0 a @FEFecuador #CopaAmerica https://t.co/zzqv4KRuyF
— Alejandro (@alexmaec) June 17, 2016
Dempsey's assist for Gyasi Zardes' goal sealed the deal for the team, despite Ecuador's late resurgence. Out of the eight goals scored in the tournament by the hosts, Clint Dempsey's had a direct influence in six of them, scoring three and handing out the same number of assists.
Of course, fans and experts didn't hold back and let the world know how they feel about the team's performance. Have a look at some of them.
#USMNT have reached the semifinals of a major international soccer tournament.pic.twitter.com/UPYfngZsLJ
— David Block (@davidraider88) June 17, 2016
All #USMNT supporters right now!!! We goin to the semis!!! pic.twitter.com/QX2W5ipv21
— AO Dallas (@AO_Dallas) June 17, 2016
Best USMNT performance in intercontinental competition since 2009 Confeds, no?
— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) June 17, 2016
Brooks and Dempsey are the stars of the tourney
— Andrew Rouse (@usarouse) June 17, 2016
>USA in the semis John Brooks sensational defending ! Dempsey the attacking difference
— Rodney Marsh (@RodneyMarsh10) June 17, 2016
This fan seemed to have had a glimpse of the future...
#MOTM Deuce!! @clint_dempsey rocked it!pic.twitter.com/P4ScVHr4B7
— Sandra Anni (@AZluvSounders) June 17, 2016
...And the tournament's officers agreed!
Congrats to @ussoccer's @clint_dempsey, @Budweiser Man of the Match- https://t.co/0DpLVq8TCL @EricWynalda pic.twitter.com/tRh3WA1OTz
— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 17, 2016