USA, Honduras Take CONCACAF Lead
With victories on their home turf, USA and Honduras surged to the top of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying table. USA defeated El Salvador 2-1 in Salt Lake City and Honduras overwhelmed Trinidad & Tobago 4-1.
Facing a must-win situaton, USA made a mistake that cost them an early goal. Failing to clear the ball, El Salvador converted in the 32' to take a 1-0 lead. USA stormed back with two quick goals (Dempsey 41' and Altidore 45') to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.
A third USA goal was scored by Altidore in the 58', but Honduran referee Jose Pineda waved it off. It appeared Pineda called a foul, but no clear call was made on the field.
The next match day is Wednesday, September 9. Co-leaders USA travel to Trinidad while Honduras faces a resurgent Mexico. El Salvador hosts Costa Rica in the other match-up. Three games remain in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
CONCACAF Final Round
| Group | GP | W | D | L | +/- | PTS |
| USA | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 13:9 | 13 |
| Honduras | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 14:7 | 13 |
| Mexico | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 11:9 | 12 |
| Costa Rica | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 9:12 | 12 |
| El Salvador | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7:10 | 5 |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8:15 | 5 |
