U.S. tops Haiti on Dempsey goal to advance to Gold Cup quarterfinals

Clint Dempsey scored his third goal in two games to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Haiti in the second group-play match match for both teams in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Friday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Dempsey, who scored both goals in the United States’ 2-1 win over Honduras in its Gold Cup opener Tuesday, found the top right corner of the net from the center box to put the U.S. on top in the 46th minute.

The midfielder’s goal was assisted by forward Gyasi Zardes, who was subbed in at halftime.

Honduras and Panama played to a 1-1 draw in Friday’s early game in Foxborough, allowing the United States to win Group A outright and clinch a spot in the quarterfinals before Monday night’s group-play finale against Panama in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Americans, unbeaten in their last seven matches, are seeking a record-tying sixth Gold Cup title. The United States has reached five straight Gold Cup championship games.

The Haitians remain winless on the year, falling to 0-0-3 since the start of 2015.

Haiti, one of only two CONCACAF opponents with a winning record against the United States entering Friday’s match, played aggressively on a slippery and chewed up pitch early on, getting seven first-half shots — none on net — in a scoreless first half.

Despite a slow start, the Americans had a decisive first-half advantage in time of possession.

Dempsey had the Americans’ first shot in the 25th minute, but it was blocked. Aron Johannsson put the ball past Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide in the 34th minute but was called offsides and the goal was waived off.

The U.S. team had four shots, all off target, in the opening half.

Haiti’s Jean-Michel Alexandre drew a yellow card, his second of the tournament, for his tackle on Dempsey in the 23rd minute. Alexandre will miss Monday’s group-play finale against Honduras.