USA takes another step towards soccer world cup 2010 finals

September 7, 2009

After being down 1-0, team USA came back with two good goals against El Salvador at the Rio Tinto stadium in Sandy, Utah on Sept 5^th, 2009.Cristian Castillo opened the scoring for the visitors in the 32nd minute. He scored from a well-directed short cross into the box by Zelaya. At least part of the blame for this goal lies with Jonathan Bornstein, whose peculiar over the head clearance had gifted the ball to Zelaya.

The US team responded with two solid goals, both set up by Landon Donovan, in the last few minutes of first half. Clint Dempsey headed in the equalizer in the 41st minute. Donovan delivered the ball into the box, from a free kick 35 yards outside the box. Dempsey stooped forward and headed the ball into the left corner of the net. The El Salvador defenders were hoping to set an offside trap for the set piece, but were unsuccessful, as Dempsey was at least a couple of yards onside when the ball reached the box. In the second minute of added time in the first half, Landon Donovan crossed from the left wing and Jozy Altidore leapt up to head into the net.

The second half was a scrappy affair. In the 55th minute, Zelaya reached the ball within the box close to Bornstein who appeared to hack at the back of his legs. Although Zelaya went down, the referee was unmoved.

A few minutes later, Jozy Altidore put the ball in the back of the net and ran off to the south end of the field to celebrate with Dempsey. Unfortunately, a late whistle had been blown for a foul earlier, and the play resumed with a restart. After a close call on the USA goal in the 87^th minute, the US team counter attacked and pegged the visitors back. Stuart Holden, who had substituted for an injured Charles Davies, crossed into the middle from the right flank. Jose Torres, also a second half substitute, headed directly to the El Salvador custodian.

Team USA will take away some positives and a boost to their confidence from this result into their away game against Trinidad and Tobago on Sept 9^th, 2009. They have consolidated their position in the six-team CONCACAF final round qualifying group and are now in second position behind Honduras. Mexico’s win against Costa Rica has shaken up the group standings and the Costa Ricans have been pushed to fourth position. All eyes are now on next set of matches on Wednesday.

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