US Tops Czechs 5-2, Moves On To Olympic Hockey Semis

SOCHI, Russia (AP) - Dustin Brown banged in a go-ahead goal late in the first period and the United States went on to dominate the Czech Republic 5-2 Wednesday, earning a spot in the Olympic hockey semifinals for the second straight time.

The U.S. will play Canada on Friday for a spot in the gold-medal game. The Canadians beat Latvia 2-1.

James van Riemsdyk gave the Americans a lead 1:39 into the game. They lost it a few minutes later when one of their defenseman, Ryan McDonagh tried to clear the puck away from the front of the crease and it went off the left skate of Ryan Suter and got past Jonathan Quick.