Landon Donovan scored on a penalty kick in the 59th minute and Carlos Bocanegra headed in a goal as the US advanced to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Panama.
The US, who allowed their first goal of the tournament when Panama's Blas Perez scored in the 83rd minute, advanced on Saturday to their eighth semi-final in nine Gold Cups.
For Donovan, it was his second goal of the tournament -- both coming on penalty kicks.
PHOTO: REUTERS
It was also the US forward's 32nd goal in international play, putting him just two shy of Eric Wynalda's US record.
In Saturday's other quarter-final, Canada defeated Guatemala 3-0.
The US will play Canada in the first semi-final on Thursday in Chicago.
The second semi-final will feature the winners of yesterday's quarter-final matches, where Honduras was to play Guadeloupe and Mexico was to play Costa Rica.
Donovan has been a nemesis for Panama. He has four goals and two assists in five matches against the Panamanians.
In the 61st minute, Bocanegra headed in a beautiful cross from midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, which stood up as the winner.
Ali Gerba scored twice in the first half as Canada advanced to the semi-finals.
It is the first semi-final appearance for Canada since 2002, when it lost to the US.
Gerba also had a hand in the first goal for Canada, setting up Dwayne De Rosario's tally in the 17th minute.
Canada extended the advantage to 2-0 in the 33rd minute as Gerba tapped the ball past goalkeeper Carlos Trigueno.
Just before the half, Gerba struck again.
This time, Gerba had a pass from Julian De Guzman deflect off his heel and past Trigueno.
The championship game is set for Sunday in Chicago.
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