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U.S. blanks Canada in Gold Cup

DETROIT - Jozy Altidore scored in the first half and set up Clint Dempsey's goal in the second, and the United States opened its Gold Cup schedule with a 2-0 win over Canada last night.

Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring in the 62nd minute against Canada. (Paul Sancya/AP)
Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring in the 62nd minute against Canada. (Paul Sancya/AP)Read more

DETROIT - Jozy Altidore scored in the first half and set up Clint Dempsey's goal in the second, and the United States opened its Gold Cup schedule with a 2-0 win over Canada last night.

The 21-year-old Altidore was playing his first game in a Gold Cup, which is the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. His goal in the 15th minute put the U.S. ahead, and Dempsey added one in the 62nd off a nice cross from Altidore.

The U.S. bounced back after losing, 4-0, to World Cup champion Spain in an exhibition game Saturday. The Americans have never lost a group stage game at the Gold Cup.

The U.S. pressured Canada from the start. Altidore scored after running onto a long pass from Landon Donovan. Although Kevin McKenna was back to defend, Altidore was able to turn and take a low shot from a tough angle to the right of the goal. The ball slipped under goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld and into the net.

The U.S. next plays Panama Saturday in Tampa.