USA, Mexico solidify positions

Stephen Sharp - 10 September 2009 05:12

Ricardo Clark gave the USA a much-needed three points away from home.

The United States went top of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on Wednesday with a 1-0 win away to Trinidad & Tobago, while a penalty by Cuauhtémoc Blanco lifted Mexico to a 1-0 triumph over Honduras. Elsewhere, Costa Rica's horrible form continued as they fell to El Salvador.

Trinidad & Tobago 0-1 USA

The United States needed a big three points away from home to consolidate their position in qualifying, and things looked a bit shaky after they were held in the first half despite creating a few solid chances.

The match remained scoreless until the 62nd minute when midfielder Ricardo Clark hit a fantastic drive from distance that gave the Americans the only tally they would need to go top of the qualifying standings.

Mexico 1-0 Honduras

Mexico continued their resurgence with a third straight win that moved them to second place, just a single point adrift of the USA in the table.

After dominating for much of the game at Estadio Azteca, Mexico were constantly frustrated by Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares. But Gio dos Santos won a penalty on 75 minutes that Blanco slotted home to give El Tri the victory.

El Salvador 0-1 Costa Rica

Costa Rica have now been outscored 8-0 in their last three games - all losses - as El Salvador got a deserved winner in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to win.

Rudis Corrales beat the offside trap and took a nice pass before beating Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas one-on-one to give the home side a thrilling result.

Costa Rica now sit alone in fourth place on 12 points, four adrift of the top.