2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Despite Sluggish Second Half, Team USA Tops Antigua and Barbuda; Jamaica, Mexico, Canada, Panama Take Openers Too; Ticos Blow Two-Goal Lead, Settle For Home Draw With Salvadorians

The third round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for the 2014 World Cup commenced with six games on Friday.


Group A:


At Tampa, Florida:


Carlos Bocanegra (8'), Clint Dempsey (PK-44'), and Herculez Gomez (72') provided the scoring as the United States held off visiting Antigua and Barbuda 3-1.


At Kingston, Jamaica:


Demar Phillips (40') and Ryan Johnson (46') each scored a goal as Jamaica held off visiting Guatemala 2-1.


GROUP A STANDINGS:


1. United States (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
2. Jamaica (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Guatemala (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
4. Antigua and Barbuda (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)


Group B:


At Mexico City:


Goals from Carlos Salcido (11'), Giovani dos Santos (15'), and John Rodrigues (OG-51') carried Mexico to a 3-1 home win over Guyana.


At San Jose Costa Rica:


Jose Gutierrez (24') and Oseal Romero (54') each delivered a goal as El Salvador came back from a two-goal deficit and gained a 2-2 road draw with Costa Rica.  Alvaro Saborio (10') and Joel Campbell (16') each socred once for the Ticos.


GROUP B STANDINGS:


1. Mexico (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
2. El Salvador (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
3. Costa Rica (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
4. Guyana (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)


Group C:


At Havana, Cuba:


Olivier Occean scored the only goal of the match in the 54th minute as Canada defeated Cuba 1-0 on the road.


At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:


Blas Perez scored twice (64', 80') as Panama knocked off Honduras 2-0 on the road.


GROUP C STANDINGS:


1. Panama (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
2. Canada (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Cuba (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
4. Honduras (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)