U.S. Scorches El Salvador

The United States Men's National Team completed their undefeated run through the 2007 Gold Cup group stage with a 4-0 win over El Salvador on Tuesday night. The only team to win all of their games in the tournament to this point, the United States refused to concede a goal while finding the net seven times over the same period, rounding into form in their latest victory. From the very start, the United States looked dangerous, controlling the ball and pushing the attack at will. DaMarcus Beasley drew first blood for the United States in the 34th minute when Landon Donovan's corner kick squirted out of a scrum of players. Beasley stepped up and purposefully placed the ball in the far corner of the net.

Just before the half, a penalty kick was awarded to the U.S. after Benny Feilhaber's cross hit the hand of defender Alfredo Pacheco just inside the box. Landon Donovan's first attempt to convert the PK was stopped, momentarily, but officials ruled that El Salvador's keeper came off of his line before the ball was kicked, giving Donovan another chance to come through - and he did, making it 2-0 at halftime.

In the second half, El Salvador came out attacking - having nothing left to lose. Despite generating more scoring chances, the second half eventually swung back into the American's style of play. In the 72nd minute, Brian Ching laid the ball off to Taylor Twellman who blasted a shot through the keeper, with the ball trickling into the net to make it 3-0.

In the 90th minute, DaMarcus Beasley struck again after receiving a nice pass from Clint Dempsey. It was Beasley's second goal of the game and gave the United States a 4-0 win on the night.

The U.S. will next face either the 3rd seed of Group A or the 3rd seed of Group C, depending on the results of the last day of group play. The quarterfinal game will be held on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass.