Football
ESPN staff 7y

Honduras win to draw level with U.S., Mexico book spot at 2018 World Cup

The United States was beaten 2-0 by Costa Rica in Harrison, New Jersey, and opened the door for Honduras to draw level on eight points in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying table.

Marco Urena scored twice for the Ticos in a victory against a disjointed U.S. side that made critical mistakes that allowed Costa Rica quality chances on goal throughout the match.

Bryan Ruiz set Urena up for his first, and the San Jose Earthquakes striker left no doubt, beating Tim Howard at the far post to put his team up in the first half.

With the U.S. chasing a second-half equalizer, Urena struck again after sloppy play from Geoff Cameron gifted him another opportunity from which he left no doubt to put the game away in the 82nd minute.

The U.S. is now under major pressure on Tuesday to take three points from Honduras, who beat Trinidad & Tobago 2-1 at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Goals from Alexander Lopez and Alberth Elis before the 20-minute mark had the visitors up 2-0.

Alvin Jones left his T&T team in a tricky spot after he was sent off with a straight red card for a hard foul on Alfredo Mejia.

But Emilio Izaguirre fouled Khaleem Hyland in the 65th minute in the penalty area and was also sent off for his second yellow card, with Joevin Jones converting from the spot and cutting the lead in half.

Honduras saw out the match for their fourth win in a row against T&T ahead of a match with massive qualifying implications against the U.S.

Mexico has secured a spot in the 2018 World Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win against Panama at the Azteca.

Hirving "Chucky" Lozano scored for Mexico in the second half to break the deadlock with a resolute Panama team that actually had a last-gasp chance to draw level go begging in injury time before the final whistle.

Juan Carlos Osorio's team faces Costa Rica on Tuesday in a game with implications for the rest of the teams in the Hex looking to follow Mexico's lead on the road to Russia.

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