Jurgen Klinsmann was not surprised by what he saw from a feisty Haitian club Friday.
Even though the United States had not lost in seven matches and won Tuesday against Honduras, the American head coach knew that a team like Haiti could pose a threat.
So did his players.
"I need to give a huge compliment to Haiti for the way they played," Klinsmann said. "Every player knows how tricky these games are."
Clint Dempsey scored his third goal in two games to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Haiti in the second group-play match for both teams in the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
Dempsey, who scored both goals in the win over Honduras in the team's Gold Cup opener, found the top right corner of the net from the center box to put the U.S. on top in the 46th minute.
The midfielder's goal was assisted by forward Gyasi Zardes, who was subbed in at halftime.
"We were lacking width in the first half," Klinsmann said. "Gyasi has this ability...We took advantage of the strong squad we have."
Zardes' instant impact is an example of the Americans' depth. With the team playing its second match in four days, Klinsmann knew he needed contributions from players throughout the roster.
That's why he made eight changes to the starting nine heading into Friday's game.
"It was important to get more players into his tournament," said Klinsmann. "We'll evaluate lineups going forward."
Honduras and Panama played to a 1-1 draw in Friday's early game in Foxborough, allowing the United States to win Group A outright and clinch a spot in the quarterfinals before Monday night's group-play finale against Panama in Kansas City, Kansas.
"Pick up more rhythm, get another three points and we have the ability to dictate who goes through," Klinsmann said of the U.S.'s approach against Panama.
The Americans, unbeaten in their last seven matches, are seeking a record-tying sixth Gold Cup title. The United States has reached five straight Gold Cup championship games.
The Haitians remain winless on the year, falling to 0-0-3 since the start of 2015.
Haiti, one of only two CONCACAF opponents with a winning record against the United States entering Friday's match, played aggressively on a slippery and chewed up pitch early on, getting seven first-half shots -- none on net -- in a scoreless first half.
Despite a slow start, the Americans had a decisive first-half advantage in time of possession.
Dempsey had the Americans' first shot in the 25th minute, but it was blocked. Aron Johannsson put the ball past Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide in the 34th minute but was called offsides and the goal was waived off.
"He has a tremendous instinct in the box," Klinsmann said about Johannsson. "He got an opportunity today, he'll get more going forward."
The U.S. team had four shots, all off target, in the opening half.
Haiti's Jean-Michel Alexandre drew a yellow card, his second of the tournament, for his tackle on Dempsey in the 23rd minute. Alexandre will miss Monday's group-play finale against Honduras.
