Ricardo Clark lifts US to victory in Trinidad

A 2nd half long range strike from Ricardo Clark lifted the US to victory and gained a massive 3 points in World Cup qualifying.  Things were tense as usual as the Americans have shown that nothing will come easily in this round of qualifying.  Tim Howard was called upon several times in the opening half of play to keep the game scoreless as the US gave Trinidad far too much space to play.  It was almost as if the Americans were playing with 10 men as every other time Clint Dempsey had the ball he turned it over.

Luckily, Tim Howard was up to the task as he showed why he is considered one of the premier keepers in the world.  The second half saw the US close the space down and begin to push for the winning goal.  In the 61st minute the massive goal would come.  Landon Donovan was lurking around the Trinidad box as he was all night.  Pulling a ball back he found Ricardo Clark drifting out of the midfield.  Clark received the ball from Donovan prepping the ball to his right and firing a rocket home from 25 yards away.

The job wasn't over though as the US had to weather the final 30 minutes of play and see out the 1-0 victory.  It is a massive 3 points for the US and their first road win of the final round.  It also moveds the US to the top of the CONCACAF group on 16 points.  One win in their last two will be enough, but neither will be easy.  A road trip to Honduras and a home match to a desperate Costa Rica.

In other CONCACAF matches, Mexico slipped by Honduras at Azteca 1-0 and El Salvador kept Costa Rica spiralling downward with a late goal in a 1-0 win.

USA  16
Mexico  15
Honduras  13
Costa Rica  12