The United States team gave their all to reach the World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win against regional rivals Mexico on Monday and produce a great day for American soccer, U.S. coach Bruce Arena said.
"Our guys left everything on the field today. I'm very proud of them," he added after Monday's second round game.
"It's a great day for U.S. soccer."
Arena said it was difficult bouncing back from Friday's 3-1 defeat by Poland in their final group game.
"It was tough getting our guys back from the game on Friday after losing to Poland," he said. "We only had a short period to recover physically."
Commenting on changes in the starting lineup, he said: "We needed some fresh legs in there today."
He said both teams knew each other well. "It's a rivalry. We know each other and there's been a lot of bad blood over the years but when the game's over we're friends again."
Looking ahead to their quarter-finals clash with Germany on Friday, he said:
"We've got a very difficult opponent in Germany on Friday but I think when Friday comes round our team will be ready to play."
The United States recalled striker Josh Wolff, who scored in the team's qualifying victory over Mexico last year, to replace Clint Mathis.
They called in defenders Pablo Mastroeni and Gregg Berhalter to replace injured centre back Jeff Agoos and suspended right back Frankie Hejduk. Eddie Lewis came in for Earnie Stewart.
