U.S. advances to Gold Cup quarterfinals

FOXBORO, Mass., July 14 (UPI) -- Brian McBride scored two goals Monday, leading the United States to a 2-0 victory over Martinique that clinched the Group C title at the Gold Cup.

The win earned a spot for the U.S. in Saturday's quarterfinals.

It was a sluggish game in which the U.S. played to the level of its competition. McBride's goal in the 39th minute provided some spark.

A nice give-and-go by Steve Ralston and Richard Mulrooney began the play as the Americans exploited a porous Martinique defense to set up McBride for a header into the corner of the net.

Ralston and Mcbride combined again in the 43rd minute.

In Monday's opener, Cuba stunned Canada, 2-0, for the first Gold Cup win in its history.

The 12-nation Gold Cup continues Tuesday as Brazil takes on Honduras at Mexico City and Guatemala faces Jamaica in Miami.