One More Win For USA

On Saturday, the US soccer team played El Salvador in World Cup Qualifying, in Salt Lake City. The US headed into the game in third, two points behind top of the table Costa Rica but good enough to qualify.
United States manager Bob Bradley had pick of his first choice eleven, except for defender Oguchi Onyewu who was suspended from yellow card accumulation. In the first 15 minutes, the US dominated possession, but chances were few for either side. Yet in the 32nd minute, Jonathan Bornstein cleared the ball directly into his own 18 yard box, which El Salvador was able to recover. A cross found the head of Castillo, and with Tim Howard off his line, Castillo's header found the back of the net to put the US down 1-0. The United States reacted well and continued to have most of the possession. In the 35th minute, Charlie Davies used his speed to get to a lose ball in the El Salvador 18 and just pushed it wide. Davies had another good chance 5 minutes later when Jozy Altidore found him with a nice pass, but Davies could not score. Then a Landon Donovan free kick connected with Clint Dempsey, and Dempsey scored to equalize. Again, just before half time, Donovan would assist on the United States' second goal, this time from Jozy Altidore.
The second half would prove less dramatic. There was plenty of fouls and offsides calls, but with very few chances. Altidore had a goal waved off to end a US move in the 59th, and Howard came up with a great save in the 87th to deny El Salvador a draw.
The win puts the US temporarily in first place in qualifying. The team looked good for most of the game against a capable El Salvador squad. Charlie Davies, who plays for Sochaux in France, has been a revelation this summer. His pace and work ethic are what the US need up front, and he looks poised to claim a spot on the World Cup roster. Donovan has proven why he is considered the best US player ever, and has provided much needed service while playing in midfield or just behind the main strikers. Tim Howard, while not having much to do in this game, is one of the best keepers in the world. The US face Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, after which they will only have two games left in qualifying.