The United States Men's National team beat Guatemal 3-1 at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas in a FIFA World Cup Qualifying match to place them in sole possession of first place in their qualifiying group. Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon was an unused sub despite his stoppage time game-winning assist against Antigua and Barbuda on Friday night. Victor Bernardez helped Honduras ease to an emphatic 8-1 victory over Canada at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Coming off of a dramatic night against CONCACAF rival Antigua and Barbuda last Friday, the U.S. played Guatemala on home soil. The U.S. started the game off inauspiciously; giving up a 5th minute goal to former LA Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz. It only took five minutes for the U.S. to respond with Carlos Bocanegra rallying the team and scoring an equalizer in the 10th minute. Clint Dempsey would later score in the 18th minute and 36th minute to cap the scoring on the night. The two goals give Clint Dempsey 30 in his career, tying him with Brian McBride for 3rd all time. The brace also gave Dempsey 10 World Cup Qualifying goals, two behind Landon Donovan.
The U.S. outshot Guatemala 11-4, including eight shots on goal compared to Guatemala's three. The win gives the U.S. 13 points and puts them in first place in their group. With the loss, Guatemala maintains 10 points and puts them in a tie with Jamaica for second place.
Honduras strolled to a 8-1 victory over Canada. San Jose defender Victor Bernardez played the entire match and picked up a yellow card in the 75th minute. The victory pushes Honduras into first place with 14 points, two ahead of second place Panama.
CLICK HERE to see Carlos Ruiz' 5th minute goal
CLICK HERE to see Carlos Bocanegra's 10th minute goal
CLICK HERE to see Clint Dempsey's 18th minute goal
CLICK HERE to see Clint Dempsey's 36th minute goal
