CONCACAF World Cup qualifying wrap: US back on track

12 September 2012 06:59

The United States returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica, while Mexico advanced to the next round of qualifying.

Jurgen Klinsmann's men were beaten 2-1 by Jamaica in Kingston on Friday but secured a vital win at Columbus Crew Stadium on Tuesday.

The US entered Ohio with a sense of urgency as they attacked Jamaica's backline from the opening kick, hitting the woodwork three times with their first six shots.

And they got the match winner in the 55th minute through Santos Laguna striker Herculez Gomez.

The US are in a three-way tie for the lead in Group A after Guatemala edged Antigua and Barbuda 1-0.

Mexico booked their spot in the fourth and final round of qualifying with two games to spare after edging Costa Rica 1-0.

The early stages were scrappy but it was Mexico who almost took the lead five minutes before the break.

A corner swung in from the left was headed goal wards by Hector Moreno.

But somehow Costa Rica goalkeeper Keilor Navas got a hand to the ball and tipped it onto the bar.

However Mexico continued to press in the second half and finally got their reward shortly after the hour mark.

Jorge Torres cross found the head of Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, who netted his 25th goal at international level.

In Group B's other fixture, El Salvador moved into second place with an entertaining 3-2 win at Guyana.

Panama leapfrogged Canada into top spot in Group C following their 2-0 triumph at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez, while Honduras moved into second with a 1-0 victory over hapless Cuba.