Native Texan Dempsey starts for US in home state vs Ecuador

Posted May 25, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

FRISCO, Texas (AP) - Clint Dempsey started up front with Gyasi Zardes on Wednesday night in the United States' exhibition against Ecuador in Dempsey's home state of Texas.

Dempsey, who grew up in the East Texas town of Nacogdoches but trained mostly in the Dallas area, is second to Landon Donovan on the career American scoring list with 49 goals. He made his 123rd appearance with the national team, in the Dallas suburb of Frisco.

Fabian Johnson started at left back after recovering from a groin injury, his first game action since April 24 with Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Bundesliga. Johnson is sliding back from the midfield, where he played for Gladbach this season.

Jermaine Jones and Kyle Beckerman join captain Michael Bradley in the midfield, with Graham Zusi more advanced in a 4-3-3 formation. Brad Guzan made his second straight start in goal after coach Jurgen Klinsmann picked him as his No. 1 for next month's Copa America over two-time World Cup starter Tim Howard.

DeAndre Yedlin made his third straight start at right back, with Steve Birnbaum and John Brooks in central defense.

Zardes and Birnbaum are the only starters who weren't on the 2014 World Cup roster in Brazil.

Defender Geoff Cameron, who injured a hamstring in Stoke's season finale on May 15, wasn't in the starting lineup, a day after Klinsmann said he was unlikely to play against Ecuador but should be ready for Copa America.

U.S. goalie Tim Howard walks across the field as players warm up for an exhibition soccer match against Ecuador, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) The Associated Press

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