US men ready for tough trip to El Salvador

The US men face the daunting trip to unfriendly El Salvador this Saturday in their 2nd qualifier for the 2010 South Africa World Cup.  The US took out Mexico 2-0 in the opening matchday of CONCACAF qualifying, but the El Salvador trip presents just as many challenges as the Mexico match did last month.

Front line goalkeeper Tim Howard is suspended for the El Salvador match thanks to a silly yellow card for time wasting against Mexico.  Brad Guzon will be in the nets for his biggest test of his career.   Meanwhile, Pablo Mastroeni returns from suspension and defenders Jay DeMerit and Jonathan Spector return from injuries.  Steve Cherundolo is still recovering from a hip injury and did not make the roster.

"It's not easy playing down there," Frankie Hejduk said. "They'll do everything they can to get an advantage over you."

Two late goals last month helped El Salvador salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Trinidad in the opening round.  The Americans are seeking to qualify for their 6th straight World Cup and a result in El Salvador would put them well on their way.  The US men return home for a Wednesday match with Trinidad in Tennessee.