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Dempsey, Chandler Score As US Beats Guatemala 4-0

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Clint Dempsey converted a penalty kick in his return from a suspension for a confrontation with a referee, Timmy Chandler scored his first international goal and the United States routed Guatemala 4-0 Friday night in an exhibition ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Just after goalkeeper Paulo Motta saved Jozy Altidore's penalty kick, the Americans went ahead on an own goal in the 19th minute, when Carlos Castrillo headed a cross from 6 yards into his own goal.

Playing his 22nd international match, Chandler doubled the lead in the 58th minute. Dempsey, replaced as captain by Michael Bradley, converted the penalty kick in the 72nd minute after Castrillo fouled Bradley. Chris Wondolowski had a tap-in in the 86th minute after Gyasi Zardes dribbled the ball to the end line and cut it back.

The U.S. opens the defense of its Gold Cup title on Tuesday. If the Americans win the tournament, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean, they would qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup. 

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)