Nervous times in Utah as US rallies to win

The US once again fell behind early, but rallied with two late first half goals to defeat El Salvador and grab 3 vital points in World Cup qualifying.  With both starting centerbacks out for the night the defense was definitely a question mark heading into a match against an El Salvador squad with nothing to lose.  All credit to El Salvador as they never sat back and attacked all night long.

The early part of the game saw the US squander several good chances and El Salvador grab a surprising lead.   Clint Dempsey and Charlie Davies both missed from close in.  El Salvador jumped ahead though after a poor clearance left the visitors with the ball in the US third.  A good cross found Cristian Castillo who looped a header over an out of position Tim Howard.

The Americans would fight back though despite shockingly poor officiating which left US players shaking their heads time after time.  The equalizer came in the 41st minute when El Salvador botched an offside trap on a US set piece.  Landon Donovan flighted in a free kick as the visitors pulled out quickly.  Clint Dempsey raced in from an onside position and buried the diving header to tie things up.

In first half stoppage time the Americans would find their lead.  Once again it was captain Landon Donovan supplying the service.  A perfectly flighted cross allowed Jozy Altidore to rise and head nicely past the keeper for the lead.

The 2nd half was back and forth as neither side sat back at all.  Chance after chance went begging or was repelled by El Salvador keeper Miguel Montes.  Tim Howard was forced to make a close range save late in the match as he went down to corral a strike.  The match ended nervously with El Salvador pushing for the tying goal.

The 3 points were a must and vault the Americans to 13 in the group.  Honduras defeated Trinidad to also move to 13.  Next up for the US is a midweek trip to Trinidad where a win would put the US well on track to qualify for South Africa 2010.