Bob Bradley’s youthful USA squad were handed their first defeat in qualifying as Trinidad and Tobago beat them 2-1 in Port of Spain. The win was the Soca Warrior’s first over the USA since 1994, and also puts them in prime position to join the USA as one of the two qualifiers from Group 1.
In the earlier leg between these two teams last month in Illnois, the USA had run out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Brian Ching.
Veteran Russell Latapy gave the hosts the lead in the 62nd minute after some good work by Chris Birchall and Carlos Edwards, with his left footed shot coming back off the post and striking Brad Guzan in the back before crossing the line.
Charlie Davies, a second half substitute for Freddy Adu, equalised for the USA ten minutes later, but the Soca Warriors regained their lead as Jozy Altidore was penalised for a foul on Makan Hislop in the box. Sunderland midfielder Dwight Yorke duly did the rest as T&T held on to win 2-1 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Guatemala’s shock loss at the hands of Cuba now sees T&T’s qualifying chances improve, as their last game is at home against the Cubans.
USA starting XI :- ( 4-5-1)
Guzan, Hejduk, Orozco, Pearce, Califf, Kljestan, Adu, Beasley (C), Torres, Edu, Altidore