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Mexico edge U.S. late; Panama beat Honduras; Costa Rica cruise

Mexico beat the United States 2-1 following a thrilling match in Columbus, Ohio, as the two teams opened the Hexagonal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Miguel Layun opened the scoring for Mexico in the 20th minute after the U.S. turned the ball over in its own third. Layun's well-hit shot took a kind deflection and trickled into the goal past Tim Howard.

Bobby Wood gave the Americans a dream start to the second half after Jozy Altidore played him in on goal with a threaded pass for the Hamburg man to slot home to even things up.

But a late goal from a corner kick by Rafa Marquez earned Mexico all three points and handed the U.S. its first loss on home soil in 15 years.

In other CONCACAF action, Panama defeated Honduras 1-0 at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula.

Fidel Escobar's 22nd-minute goal got the visitors out front with a sizzling free kick after Alberto Quintero was fouled just outside the box.

The San Miguelito centre-back's well-hit right-footed shot took a deflection off the wall before beating Honduras goalkeeper Donis Escober to the bottom-left corner.

Panama thought they'd collected a second in the 65th minute, but Escober barely saved Quintero's close-range effort at the near post just before it fully crossed the line to keep the scoreline 1-0.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica scored a 2-0 road defeat of Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

After a goalless first half, strikes from Christian Bolanos and Ronald Matarrita sealed the three points for the Ticos.

Bolanos tapped home at the far post after a fine run and pass to open the scoring on 65 minutes. And Matarrita added insurance in second-half stoppage time.