Johnson moved to right back, Besler on the left vs Ecuador

SEATTLE (AP) - U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann moved Fabian Johnson across the field to right back and inserted Matt Besler on the left side of his defense for Thursday night's Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador.

The U.S. had started the same lineup in three straight games for only the second time - and the first since 1930 - but right back DeAndre Yedlin, a former regular with the hometown Seattle Sounders, was suspended after getting a two yellow cards in a 57-second span against Paraguay last weekend.

Johnson last started at right back for the U.S. in the loss to Mexico in last October's playoff for a 2017 Confederations Cup berth. He also played right back during the 2014 World Cup. He likely will be matched up against speedy midfielder Jefferson Montero.

Besler, seen more often in central defense, had not played since spending the first half at left back during a May 28 exhibition against Bolivia.

The rest of the lineup was unchanged, with Brad Guzan in goal; John Brooks and Geoff Cameron in central defense; Michael Bradley, Gyasi Zardes, Jermaine Jones and Alejandro Bedoya in the midfield; and Clint Dempsey and Bobby Wood at forward.

Bedoya, Bradley, Brooks, Johnson, Jones, Wood and reserve defender Michael Orozco entered with single yellow cards and another one Thursday would result in a suspension for the semifinal, should the U.S. advance.

The U.S. has won just one knockout-stage match against a nation outside its region, defeating Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup semifinals.

Ecuador's lineup was led by Enner and Antonio Valencia, who both scored in their 4-0 win over Haiti that closed group play. Enner Valencia has been involved in seven of Ecuador's last 12 Copa America goals.

Alexander Dominguez was in goal, with Juan Carlos Paredes at right back, Arturo Mina and Frickson Erazo in central defense and Walter Ayovi at left back.

Christian Noboa and Carlos Gruezo were in the back of a five-man midfield, with Michael Arroyo more advanced, flanked by Antonio Valencia on the right and the speedy Montero on the left. Enner Valencia was up front.

Dominguez started the last two games of the group stage in goal after Esteban Dreer played the opener against Brazil.