Published 6/15/2011 2:40:15 AM by Shane Barrow from soccermogul

The US advanced from Group C and into the Gold Cup 2011 quarterfinals thanks to a 1-0 victory over tiny Guadeloupe Tuesday night in Kansas City.  It should have been worse....much worse than 1-0, but some shoddy finishing kept the game tight.

It was one of the poorest performances from Clint Dempsey in a long time.  Usually the most reliable of American players he just didn't have it tonite missing several scoring chances.

The US needed only a draw to advance after Panama and Canada drew 1-1 in Tuesday night's early game. Jozy Altidore made that a moot point with his ripping drive from 25 yards, his second goal of the tournament.

To say the Americans failed to convert their chances is akin to saying Mexico forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is halfway decent. While Guadeloupe goalkeeper Franck Grandel delivered a string of impressive saves, the US was also guilty of some shocking misses that bordered on the comical, none more so than Clint Dempsey's blown chance in the 76th minute. Presented with a simple tap-in after being set up brilliantly by Alejandro Bedoya, Dempsey's casual attitude allowed an opposition defender to recover and block his shot.

The only bright spot would be the revamped American defense.  Carlos Bocanegra moved inside and shored up a shaky central defense.  Steve Cherundolo was menacing down the right flank and Eric Lichaj was a breath of fresh air on the left.

A true test awaits in the quarterfinals as the US faces Group B winners Jamaica Sunday in WAshington DC.  It will take the best effort from the Americans so far if they are to advance.

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