USA vs. Guatemala: Score, Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

Team USA almost came away with the victory on Tuesday, but a gut-punch of a goal from Guatemala's Marco Pappa forced a 1-1 draw at Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala City.

Pappa, who plays for the Chicago Fire in the MLS, drained an absolutely gorgeous free kick to steal a point from the United States.

Team USA had been in the lead thanks to a first-half goal from star Clint Dempsey. Unfortunately, Pappa's free kick was perfectly struck, and American keeper Tim Howard could do nothing to stop it.

Although they would have preferred the victory, Team USA still came away with a solid four points in their two World Cup qualifiers this month.

Tweets of the Night

Clint Dempsey's sweet goal got plenty of people excited, including fellow American striker Charlie Davies:

"

Let's keep it going USA! Up 1-0 at Halftime on a goal from my good friend @clint_dempsey.

— Charlie Davies (@CharlieDavies9) June 12, 2012"

Bleacher Report's own Ryan Phillips was also fired up by Dempsey's goal, bestowing this flattering label upon him:

"

Clint Dempsey is a freaking assassin. 1-0 #USMNT

— Ryan Phillips (@RumorsandRants) June 12, 2012"

Of course, the same could be said about Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa, who equalized with a nasty free kick in the 83rd minute. The folks at FOX Soccer were pretty stoked about the amazing goal:

"

GOAL GUATEMALA!!! And it's Marco Pappa with the free kick to give the home team the equalizer. What a goal for the FIre midfielder

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Pappa's free kick was the highlight of the night, but since a video is not yet available, I give you Dempsey's fancy goal instead. I was actually shocked that the game produced a better highlight than this.

Grades for Key American Players

Tim Howard: B-

The 33-year-old Everton keeper was excellent for the majority of the match. Unfortunately, he was completely frozen by Pappa's incredible free kick.

You can't really fault Howard, because in all honesty, no keeper in the world could have stopped that. Still, it was a devastating blow to Howard and Team USA, who were in control throughout.

Clint Dempsey: B+

Dempsey's beautiful footwork and goal were the lone bright spots for the American offense, which was stagnant and uncreative for the majority of the match.

Luckily for the U.S., Dempsey rescued them by scoring his 27th career international goal in the 40th minute.

The Americans couldn't hold on for the win, but you have to give Dempsey props for his solid performance.

MVP: Marco Pappa

Pappa saved the match for Guatemala. It was a familiar scene for MLS fans, but it doesn't make the disappointment any easier for Jurgen Klinsmann's men and their fans.

After 80 minutes of mostly unimpressive play, the Guatemalans should be thrilled with the draw. They have Pappa to thank for the result.

What's Next?

Both teams have a couple months off before their next international matchups.

The United States will take on a strong Mexican side on August 15, while Guatemala will face Costa Rica on the same day. Both games are international friendlies.