2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Team USA Score Twice To Stun Panama, Save Mexico's Bacon (El Tri Beaten By Ticos But Still Get Crack At All-Whites); Honduras Draw With Reggae Boyz And Punch Ticket For Brazil

Qualification for next year's FIFA World Cup via CONCACAF concluded on Tuesday with three games.

At Panama City, Panama:

Stoppage-time goals from Graham Zusi (90'+2) and Aron Johannsson (90'+3) lifted the United States to a come-from-behind 3-2 win on the road over Panama, delivering the knockout blow to the Canal Men's  hopes of playing New Zealand in a two-match playoff for what would have been their first World Cup Finals appearance.

At San Jose, Costa Rica:

Alvaro Saborio scored the winning goal in the 64th minute as Costa Rica defeated visiting Mexico 2-1.  Because of Team USA's last-minute comeback win over Panama, though, El Tri remained alive as they will take part in a two-match home-and-away playoff against New Zealand for a berth in Brazil.

At Kingston, Jamaica:

Goals from Carlo Costly (1') and Maynor Figueroa (33') carried Honduras to a 2-2 road draw in Jamaica, good enough for the Catrachos to lock up a second straight appearance (and third overall) in the World Cup Finals.

FINAL HEXAGONAL ROUND STANDINGS:

1. United States (GP: 6; GD: +7; PTS: 22)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 18)
3. Honduras (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 15)
4. Mexico (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 11)
5. Panama (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 8)
6. Jamaica (GP: 6; GD: -8; PTS: 5)

The United States, Costa Rica, and Honduras clinched berths in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals in Brazil.  Mexico will play a two-game home-and-away playoff series with New Zealand, with the first match to be played on November 13 or 14 at Mexico City and the return contest to be played on November 20 at Wellington, New Zealand.  The winner of that series will head for Brazil.

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Team USA Blank And Eliminate Reggae Boyz; El Tri Pull Out Late Win Over Panama; Honduras Top Ticos

Action from the Final Hexagonal Group of CONCACAF-regional qualifying for next year's World Cup resumed on Friday with three games.

At Kansas City, Kansas:

Graham Zusi (77') and Jozy Altidore (81') provided the scoring as the United States clinched finishing at the top of the "Hex" with their 2-0 home win over Jamaica, ending the Reggae Boyz hopes of qualifying for the first time since 1998.

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Jerry Bengston scored the only goal of the match in the 65th minute as Honduras found themselves on the cusp of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup with their 1-0 home win over already-qualified Costa Rica.

At Mexico City:

Raul Jimenez scored the winning goal in the 85th minute as Mexico kept their qualification hopes in their hands with their 2-1 home win over Panama.

HEX STANDINGS:

1. x-United States (GP: 9; GD: +6; PTS: 19)
2. x-Costa Rica (GP: 9; GD: +5; PTS: 15)
3.     Honduras (GP: 9; GD: +1; PTS: 14)
4.     Mexico (GP: 9; GD: -1; PTS: 11)
5.     Panama (GP: 9; GD: -3; PTS: 8)
6. z-Jamaica (GP: 6; GD: -8; PTS: 4)

x-Qualified for 2014 World Cup Finals

z-Eliminated from contention

Another Loss In World Cup Qualifying..............

Another managerial change for El Tri.

FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING (CONCACAF): TEAM USA, TICOS PUNCH TICKETS FOR BRAZIL; HONDURAS GIVE UP STOPPAGE-TIME GOAL, SETTLE FOR HOME DRAW WITH PANAMA

Three games were played on Tuesday as CONCACAF-regional qualifying for next year's World Cup continued.

At Columbus, Ohio:

Goals from Eddie Johnson (49') and Landon Donovan (78') lifted the United States to a 2-0 home win over Mexico.  The victory, coupled with Honduras' 2-2 draw with Panama, assured the Americans of their seventh straight World Cup finals appearance (their 10th overall).

At Kingston, Jamaica:

Jermaine Anderson's stoppage-time equalizer (90'+2) lifted Jamaica to a 1-1 home draw with Costa Rica.  Randall Brenes scored in the 75th minute for the Ticos, who, thanks to the Honduras-Panama draw, locked up a berth in next year's World Cup finals, their fourth such appearance.

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Gabriel Torres (50') and Roberto Chen (90') each scored a goal as Panama gained a 2-2 road draw with Honduras.  Carlo Costly (27') and Wilson Palacios (61') each delivered a goal for the hosts, who currently based in third place in the Final Hexagonal Group.

HEXAGONAL ROUND STANDINGS:

1. x-United States (GP: 8; GD: +4; PTS: 16)
2. x-Costa Rica (GP: 8; GD: +6; PTS: 15)
3.     Honduras (GP: 8; GD: 0; PTS: 11)
4.     Panama (GP: 8; GD: -2; PTS: 8)
5.     Mexico (GP: 8; GD: -2; PTS: 8)
6.     Jamaica (GP: 8; GD: -6; PTS: 4)

x-Advanced to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals 

Chepo Goes Crappo

Assistant coach Luis Fernando Tena (nickname unknown) will coach El Tri for their World Cup qualifying match against Team USA in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday.

World Cup Qualifying: Ticos Snap Team USA Winning Streak; El Tri Knocked Off At Home; Panama Held To Home Scoreless Stalemate By Reggae Boyz

Three games were played on Friday as the final round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for next year's World Cup resumed.

At Mexico City:

Jerry Bengston (64') and Carlo Costly (66') each scored a goal in the final half-four two minutes apart as Honduras knocked off Mexico 2-1 on the road.

At San Jose, Costa Rica:

Jhonny Acosta (3'), Celso Borges (10'), and Joel Campbell (75') each scored a goal as Costa Rica snapped the United States' team-record winning streak at 12 games with a 3-1 victory at home and took over top spot in the final Hexagonal Round standings.

At Panama City, Panama:

Ten-man Jamaica held hosts Panama to a 0-0 stalemate.

FINAL HEXAGONAL ROUND STANDINGS:

1. Costa Rica (GP: 7; GD: +6; PTS: 14)
2. United States (GP: 7; GD: +2; PTS: 13)
3. Honduras (GP: 7; GD: 0; PTS: 10)
4. Mexico (GP: 7; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
5. Panama (GP: 7; GD: -2; PTS: 7)
6. Jamaica (GP: 7; GD: -6; PTS: 3)

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Once Again, Jozy Makes Things Rosy For Team USA; Ticos Blank Panama At Home

Two games were played on Tuesday night in the final round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for next year's World Cup.

At Sandy, Utah:

Jozy Altidore delivered the only goal of the match in the 73rd minute (his fourth straight international match with a goal) as the United States (sitting atop the Final Hexagonal Group) avenged their February road defeat with a 1-0 home win over Honduras.

At San Jose, Costa Rica:

Bryan Ruiz (47') and Celso Borges (51') provided the scoring as Costa Rica blanked visiting Panama 2-0.

FINAL HEXAGONAL GROUP STANDINGS:

1. United States (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 13)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
3. Mexico (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
4. Honduras (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 7)
5. Panama (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
6. Jamaica (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 2)

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): EJ And Jozy Make Things Rosy For Team USA; El Tri Held To Scoreless Home Draw By Tecos; Honduras Blanks Reggae Boyz

Three games were played on Tuesday in the final round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for next year's World Cup.

At Mexico City:

Costa Rica held hosts Mexico to a 0-0 stalemate.

At Tegucigalpa, Honduras:

Oscar Garcia (10') and Roger Espinoza (88') provided the scoring as Honduras blanked struggling, visiting, ten-man Jamaica 2-0.

At Seattle:

In the first World Cup qualifier to take place in the Emerald City in 37 years, and in front of 40,847 fans at CenturyLink Field, Jozy Aldidore (36') and Eddie Johnson (53') each delivered a goal as the United States moved to the top of the Final Hexagonal Group with a 2-0 home blanking of Panama.

FINAL HEXAGONAL GROUP STANDINGS:

1. United States (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 8)
3. Mexico (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
4. Honduras (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
5. Panama (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
6. Jamaica (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 2)

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Stoppage-Time Goal Carries Team USA To Road Win Over Reggae Boyz; Ticos Blank Honduras; El Tri And Panama Settle For Goose Eggs

Three games were played on Friday as the final round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for next year's FIFA World Cup continued.

At Kingston, Jamaica:

Brad Evans scored the winning goal during second-half stoppage time (90'+2) as the United States defeated Jamaica 2-1 on the road.  Jozy Altidore also scored for the Americans in the 30th minute.  Jermaine Beckford had scored a late equalizer in the 89th minute for the Reggae Boyz.

At San Jose, Costa Rica:

Roy Miller scored the only goal of the match in the 25th minute as Costa Rica took over top spot in the final Hexagonal group with their 1-0 home win over Honduras.

At Panama City, Panama:

Panama and visiting Mexico battled to a 0-0 stalemate.

FINAL HEXAGONAL GROUP STANDINGS:

1. Costa Rica (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
2. United States (GP: 4; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
3. Mexico (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
4. Panama (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS: 6)
5. Honduras (GP: 4; GD: -2; PTS: 4)
6. Jamaica (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 2

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): El Tri Move To Top Of Hexagonal By Beating Reggae Boyz

At Kingston, Jamaica:

Aldo de Nigris scored the only goal of the match in the 48th minute as Mexico climbed to the top of the final Hexagonal Group on Tuesday with their 1-0 road win over Jamaica in FIFA World Cup qualifying from the CONCACAF region.  The match was scheduled for June 18 but moved up to Tuesday because of El Tri's participation in the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup, set to take place in Brazil.

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Team USA Gains Scoreless Draw In Mexico; Home Wins For Ticos, Panama

Action from the final round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for next year's World Cup continued on Tuesday with three games.

At Mexico City:

The United States (whose snowy 1-0 Friday night win over Costa Rica was upheld earlier Tuesday by FIFA) gained only their second World Cup-qualifying point on Mexico by holding El Tri to a 0-0 stalemate.

At San Jose, Costa Rica:

Michael Umana (22') and Diego Calvo (82') provided the scoring in Costa Rica's 2-0 home blanking of Jamaica.

At Panama City, Panama:

Luis Tejada (2') and Blaz Perez (75') provided the scoring as Panama moved to the top of the hexagonal group after blanking visiting Honduras 2-0.

HEXAGONAL STANDINGS:

1. Panama (GP: 3; GD: +2; PTS: 5)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
3. United States (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
4. Honduras (GP: 3; GD: -1; PTS: 4)
5. Mexico (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 3)
6. Jamaica (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 2) 

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Snowy Win For Team USA; El Tri Blow Two-Goal Lead, Settle For Draw In Honduras; Panama Gain Road Draw In Jamaica

Three games were played on Friday as the final round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for next year's World Cup continued.

At Commerce City, Colorado:

Clint Dempsey scored the only goal of the match in the 16th minute as the United States defeated visiting Costa Rica 1-0 in what look almost like blizzard conditions.

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Carlo Costly (77') and Jerry Bengston (80') each scored a goal three minutes apart as Honduras erased a late two-goal deficit to gain a 2-2 home draw with Mexico.  Javier Hernandez provided both of El Tri's tallies (28', 54').

At Kingston, Jamaica:

Luis Henriquez provided the equalizer in the 65th minute as Panama gained a 1-1 road draw with Jamaica.  Marvin Elliot scored in the 24th minute for the Reggae Boyz.

HEXAGONAL STANDINGS:

1. Honduras (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
2. United States (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 3)
3. Panama (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 2)
4. Mexico (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 2)
5. Jamaica (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 2)
6. Costa Rica (GP: 2; GD: -1; PTS: 1)

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Team USA Hexed By Defensive Blunder; Panama and Ticos, El Tri and Reggae Boyz Gain Opening Draws

The fourth and final round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for next year's FIFA World Cup got underway with three games contested on Wednesday.

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Goals from Juan Carlos Garcia (40') and Jerry Bengston (79') enabled Honduras to come from behind at home and upend the United States 2-1.

At Panama City, Panama:

Alvaro Saborio (40') and Bryan Ruiz (84') each delivered a goal as Costa Rica erased a two-goal deficit and gained a 2-2 road draw with Panama.  Luis Henriquez (16') and Roman Torres (27') each scored once for the hosts.

At Mexico City:

Jamaica held hosts Mexico to a 0-0 stalemate.

STANDINGS:

1. Honduras (GP: 1; GD: 1; PTS: 3)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
3. Panama (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
4. Jamaica (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
5. Mexico (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
6. United States (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Team USA, Reggae Boyz, Honduras, Panama, Ticos Join El Tri In Final Qualifying Round

Six games were played on Tuesday as the third round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup concluded.

Group A:

At Kansas City, Kansas:

After conceding an early goal, the United States, as Clint Dempsey scored twice (18', 36') and assisted once (on Carlos Bocanegra's tally in the 10th minute), stormed back to top visiting Guatemala 3-1 and finished atop Group A and advanced to the final qualifying round.

At Kingston, Jamaica:

Dane Richards scored twice (78', 88') as Jamaica dominated visiting Antigua and Barbuda 4-1.  The win by that three-goal margin, combined with Guatemala's two-goal defeat at the hands of Team USA, enabled the Reggae Boys to advance to the final qualifying round on goal differential (+3 to +1 for the Guatemalans).

FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. United States (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 13)
2. Jamaica (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. Guatemala (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 10)
4. Antigua and Barbuda (GP: 6; GD: -9; PTS: 1)

The United States and Jamaica advanced to the final qualifying round.

Group B:

At San Jose, Costa Rica:

Randall Brenes  (10', 48') and Alvaro Saboria (PK-51', 76') each scored twice as Costa Rica locked up a berth in the final qualifying round with a 7-0 home annihilation of Guyana. 

At Torreon, Mexico:

Oribe Peralta (65') and Javier Hernandez (85') each scored a goal as Mexico completed the third qualifying round with a perfect record with a 2-0 home blanking of El Salvador.

FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. Mexico (GP: 6; GD: +13; PTS: 18)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 6; GD: +9; PTS: 10)
3. El Salvador (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 5)
4. Guyana (GP: 6; GD: -19; PTS: 1)

Mexico and Costa Rica advanced to the final qualifying round.

Group C:

At Havana, Cuba:

Nelson Barahona's equalizer in the 77th minute lifted Panama to a 1-1 road draw with Cuba---and a berth in the final qualifying round.  Alberto Gomez scored the Cubans' only goal in this third qualifying round in the 38th minute.

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Jerry Bengston (7', 16', 83') and Carlo Costly (30', 49', 88') each delivered a hat trick while Mario Martinez added a double (32', 59') as Honduras locked up a berth in the final round of qualifying by destroying visiting Canada (and the Canucks' dreams of advancing) 8-1.

FINAL GROUP C STANDINGS:

1. Honduras (GP: 6; GD: +9; PTS: 11)
2. Panama (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
3. Canada (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 10)
4. Cuba (GP: 6; GD: -9; PTS: 1)

Honduras and Panama advanced to the final qualifying round. 

The final, or Hexagonal, round of qualifying will be played next year, with the games taking place between February and October.  Each team will play two games apiece (one at home, one on the road) against each of the other five teams in the group.  The three teams with the best records will advance to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with the fourth-placed finisher to play in a two-match home-and-away playoff against the winners from Oceania for the final available berth in Brazil.

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Team USA And Guatemala On Cusp Of Advancing After Dramatic Wins; Ticos Move To Second Place In Group B After Road Win At El Salvador; Panama and Canada In Top Two In Group C With One Game Left

Six games were played on Friday as the third round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup out of the CONCACAF region resumed.

Group A:

At North Sound, Antigua:

Eddie Johnson scored twice (20', 90') as the United States defeated Antigua and Barbuda (eliminating the hosts in the process) 2-1 on the road to remain level on points atop Group A with their third-qualifying-round finale with co-leaders Guatemala (Tuesday at Kansas City, Kansas )on the horizon).  The Americans would need only a draw to assure a berth in the final qualifying round.

At Guatemala City:

Carlos Ruiz scored the winning goal in the 85th minute as Guatemala defeated visiting Jamaica 2-1 to remained level on points with Team USA atop Group A.  A road draw on Tuesday with the Americans would place Guatemala in the final qualifying round.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. United States (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
2. Guatemala (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. Jamaica (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. z-Antigua and Barbuda (GP: 5; GD: -6; PTS: 1)

z-Eliminated from contention

Group B:

At Houston:

Due to a scheduling conflict concerning the originally-scheduled venue of Guyana's Providence Stadium, the game at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston was designated a home win for Guyana's national team.  It did the Guyanans no good, though, as five different goal scorers---Andres Guardado (77'), Oribe Peralta (79'), Charles Pollard (OG-83'), Javier (Chicharito) Hernandez (84'), and Angel Reyna (86')---each delivered a tally during a ten-minute as Mexico (who had already advanced) turned what had been a surprisingly tight contest into a 5-0 road demolition.

At San Salvador, El Salvador:

Jose Miguel Cubero scored the only goal of the match in the 31st minute as Costa Rica took over second place in Group B with their 1-0 road win over El Salvador.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. y-Mexico (GP: 5; GD: +11; PTS: 15)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
3. El Salvador (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 5)
4. z-Guyana (GP: 5; GD: -12; PTS: 1)

y-Won Group B and advanced to final qualifying round
z-Eliminated from contention

Group C:

At Toronto:

Tosaint Ricketts (14'), Will Johnson (73'), and David Edgar (79') each scored a goal as Canada blanked Cuba 3-0 at home.  The Canadians, should they gain a Tuesday draw at Honduras, would advance to the final qualifying round.

At Panama City, Panama:

Panama wound up level on points atop Group C with Canada following their 0-0 home draw with Honduras.  The Panamanians can clinch a final-qualifying-round berth with a draw on Tuesday on the road against Cuba.  Should they defeat Canada at home, the Hondurans would advance to the final qualifying round as well.

GROUP C STANDINGS:

1. Panama (GP: 5; GD: +4; PTS: 10)
2. Canada (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. Honduras (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 8)
4. z-Cuba (GP: 5; GD: -9; PTS: 0)

z-Eliminated from contention 

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Herculez Scores The Goal That Delivers Home Victory For Team USA; Guatemala Victorious Too; El Tri (Thanks To Chicharito) Clinch Berth In Final Qualifying Round; El Salvador, Honduras, Panama Win Also; Cuba Eliminated

Six games were played on Tuesday as the third round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup continued.

Group A:

At North Sound, Antigua:

Carlos Ruiz scored the only goal of the match in the 25th minute as Guatemala defeated Antigua and Barbuda 1-0 on the road, all but eliminating the Caribbean nation from contention for advancing to the final qualifying round.

At Columbus, Ohio:

Herculez Gomez scored the only goal of the match with his 55th-minute free kick as the United States avenged last Friday's road defeat with a 1-0 home win over Jamaica.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. United States (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
2. Guatemala (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
3. Jamaica (GP: 4; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
4. Antigua and Barbuda (GP: 4; GD: -5; PTS: 1)

Group B:

At Providence, Guyana:

Rafael Burgos scored the winning goal in the 76th minute as El Salvador defeated Guyana 3-2 on the road.

At Mexico City:

Javier Hernandez scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute as Mexico locked up a berth in the final qualifying round (and clinched finishing atop Group B) with a 1-0 home win over Costa Rica.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. y-Mexico (GP: 4; GD: +6; PTS: 12)
2. El Salvador (GP: 4; GD: 0; PTS: 5)
3. Costa Rica (GP: 4; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
4. Guyana (GP: 4; GD: -7; PTS: 1)

y-Won Group B and clinched a berth in the final qualifying round

Group C:

At Panama City, Panama:

Rolando Blackburn (24') and Blas Perez (57') provided the scoring as Panama blanked visiting Canada 2-0 and moved to the top of Group C:

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Jerry Bengston scored the lone goal of the match in the 32nd minute as Honduras eliminated Cuba (still waiting for their first World Cup finals appearance since 1938) from contention with a 1-0 home win .

GROUP C STANDINGS:

1. Panama (GP: 4; GD: +4; PTS: 9)
2. Honduras (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
3. Canada (GP: 4; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. z-Cuba (GP: 4; GD: -6; PTS: 0)

z-Eliminated from qualifying tournament.

 

 

 

 

FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Reggae Boyz Knock Off Team USA; Wins For Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala; El Salvador Held To 2-2 Home Draw By Guyana

Six games were played on Friday as the third round of CONCACAF regional qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup resumed and reached the midway point.

Group A:

At Kingston, Jamaica:

Rudolph Austin (24') and Luton Shelton (62') each scored a free-kick goal as Jamaica came back to knock off the United States 2-1 at home.

At Guatemala City:

Carlos Ruiz scored twice in the second half (60', 79') as Guatemala defeated visiting Antigua and Barbuda 3-1.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Jamaica (GP: 3; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
2. Guatemala (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
3. United States (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
4. Antigua and Barbuda (GP: 3; GD: -4; PTS: 1)

Group B:

At San Salvador, El Salvador:

Trayon Bobb scored twice (16', 53') as Guyana bounced back from a pair of one-goal deficits to gain a 2-2 road draw with El Salvador.  Jose Gutierrez (4') and Osael Romero (29') each scored once for the hosts.

At San Jose, Costa Rica:

Carlos Salcido (43') and Jesus Zavala (52') each tallied once as Mexico blanked Costa Rica 2-0 on the road.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. Mexico (GP: 3; GD: +5; PTS: 9)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 3; GD: +2; PTS: 4)
3. El Salvador (GP: 3; GD: -1; PTS: 2)
4. Guyana (GP: 3; GD: -6; PTS: 1)

Group C:

At Toronto:

Dwayne De Rosario scored the only goal of the match in the 77th minute as Canada defeated visiting Panama 1-0.

At Havana, Cuba:

Jerry Bengston (33'), Victor Bernardez (62'), and Marvin Chavez (90'+3) each scored once as Honduras dominated Cuba 3-0 on the road.

GROUP C STANDINGS:

1. Canada (GP: 3; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
2. Panama (GP: 3; GD: +2; PTS: 6)
3. Honduras (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
4. Cuba (GP: 3; GD: -5; PTS: 0)

World Cup Qualifying (CONCACAF): Draws For Team USA (Away), Canada (Home); Road Win For El Tri; Costa Rica, Panama Win

Six games were played on Tuesday as the third round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup continued.


Group A:


At North Sound, Antigua:


The contest between Antigua and Barbuda and visiting Jamaica ended in a 0-0 stalemate.


At Guatemala City:


Marco Pappa's goal in the 83rd minute enabled Guatemala to gain a 1-1 home draw with the United States, whose goal came in the 40th minute from Clint Dempsey.


GROUP A STANDINGS:


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


Group B:


At Providence, Guyana:


Alvaro Saborio's natural hat trick (20', 26', 52') contributed in large part to Costa Rica's 4-0 road fist-beating of Guyana


At San Salvador, El Salvador:


Jesus Zavala (60') and Hector Moreno (82') each scored a goal as Mexico defeated El Salvador 2-1 on the road.


GROUP B STANDINGS:


1. Mexico (GP: 2; GD: +3; PTS: 6)
2. Costa Rica (GP: 2; GD: +4; PTS: 4)
3. El Salvador (GP: 2; GD: -1; PTS: 1)
4. Guyana (GP: 2; GD: -6; PTS: 0)


Group C:


At Toronto:


Honduras held home-standing Canada to a 0-0 stalemate.


At Panama City, Panama:


Nelson Barahoma scored the only goal of the match in the 58th minute as Panama defeated visiting Cuba 1-0.


GROUP C STANDINGS:


1. Panama (GP: 2; GD: +3; PTS: 6)
2. Canada (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
3. Honduras (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 1)
4. Cuba (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 0)

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)