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U.S. forwards Charlie Davies (L) and Jozy Altidore celebrate the Yanks' second goal. Photo by Getty Images
The Yanks fell behind at the 32nd minute when Jonathan Bornstein failed to clear a ball cleanly and instead sent it into the box. El Salvador gained possession in the U.S. penalty box and was able to capitalize on a header by Christian Castillo. The goal came after a mixed first 30 minutes of play that saw the U.S. threaten on a few occasions through Charlie Davies and Landon Donovan.
Dempsey brought the teams even at the 41st minute when he got his head on a cross from Donovan in the heart of the Salvadorean penalty area. As injury time expired in the first half, Altidore got his head on another Donovan cross to give the Yanks their first lead of the game.
After the break, the game opened up quite a bit and the U.S. had several quality chances to extend their lead, including a goal by Altidore that was annulled due to a foul by Dempsey as he released Altidore. As the half progressed, La Selecta gained confidence and also began to threaten. As the final quarter of an hour wound down, the U.S. found itself simply trying to hang on. El Salvador pressured heavily as the Central American side desperately tried to get at least a point from the match. In the end, the U.S. defense was able to hold off the pressure to give the Yanks a 2 - 1 win.
The victory helps the U.S. keep pace with its CONCACAF counterparts for a qualifying as the process reaches its final and decisive dates. Another victory on Wednesday at Trinidad & Tobago would jar the door open a bit for the U.S. in their quest for a ticket to South Africa 2010, especially were Mexico to lose to Honduras the same night.
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Well, assuming the US wins and the goal differential stays the same, wouldn't it be more beneficial for the US if Mexico were to win?
If both the US and Honduras win, Honduras stays on top and the US remains in second. On the other hand if Mexico wins, Honduras gets knocked down to 3rd, with the United States in first and Mexico second, due to goal advantage.
Actually, in an ideal situation, I think the US would win, with Mexico and Honduras reaching a draw.