Goals
from Rodolph Austin and Luton Shelton overcame Clint Dempsey's first-minute
strike for the Americans as Jamaica posted their first victory over the US in
19 matches.
Dempsey's
goal -- 36 seconds into the match -- was the fastest for the United States in
World Cup qualifying, confounding predictions that he would show some rust in
his first competitive match since June.
But with
Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley absent through injury, the United States
couldn't hold their lead as free kicks from Austin and Shelton gave Jamaica the
victory.
In the
22nd, Austin fired a low shot through the US wall and past US goalkeeper Tim
Howard.
It was
Shelton's turn in the 62nd minute and Jamaica, who came into the match level
with the United States atop Group A, now lead with seven points.
The
United States have four, as do Guatemala after their 3-1 victory over Antigua
and Barbuda.
After
Peter Byers put Antigua and Barbuda up 1-0 in the 38th minute, Carlos Ruiz
scored twice -- in the 58th and 79th -- to put Guatemala ahead with Dwight
Pezzarossi adding one more for the hosts in the waning seconds.
The top
two teams from each of the three groups advance to the final round of regional
qualifying next year, and the United States will be aiming to get back on track
when they host Jamaica on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.
Mexico,
meanwhile, remained perfect with their third win in three matches of the
semi-final round -- a 2-0 triumph at Costa Rica.
Carlos
Salcido in the 43rd minute and Jesus Zavala in the 52nd -- both goals from
Andres Guardado corner kicks -- left Mexico needing just one more win to
advance.
They'll
try to do it when they host Costa Rica on Tuesday.
Costa
Rica held on to second place in the group with four points as El Salvador and
Guyana played out a 2-2 draw in San Salvador.
Canada
seized the lead in Group C with a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, courtesy
of a goal by Dwayne De Rosario in the 77th minute.
Canada
lead the group with seven points, one clear of Panama. Honduras claimed a
much-needed win in convincing style at Havana, beating Cuba 3-0.
All
three Honduran goals came from Major League Soccer players. New England's Jerry
Bengtson opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Victor Bernardez added a second
goal when he converted a free kick in the 63rd and Marvin Chavez -- Bernardez's
team-mate at San Jose -- completed the scoring in injury time.
Despite
the absence of suspended midfielder Roger Espinoza, Honduras looked much the
stronger side as they took their points total to four. Cuba meanwhile, are on
the brink of elimination as they look toward a re-match at Honduras on Tuesday.
In other
matches on Tuesday Antigua and Barbuda host Guatemala, Guyana host El Salvador
and Panama host Canada.
Source: MSN.Com
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