Dwight Yorke converted a 79th-minute penalty to give Trinidad & Tobago a 2:1 victory over the United States on Wednesday, moving it to the brink of the the final round of World Cup qualifying.
It was the Soca Warriors’ first victory over the USA in 12 tries in World Cup qualifying, and ended the Stars & Stripes’ six-game winning streak in their bid to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa.
The USA already had clinched its place in the six-team CONCACAF “hexagonal”, but the result moved Trinidad into second place in second-round Group A with eight points, three better than Guatemala, which was beaten 2:1 by Cuba.
Only one game remains in the second round of qualifying. Trinidad will be at home against Cuba on 19 November while Guatemala will have to travel to face the USA.
Yorke converted after Trinidad was awarded the penalty when Jozy Altidore dragged down Makan Hislop by grabbing his shirt on a corner kick. Forty-year-old Russell Latapy gave Trinidad the lead with his 29th career goal in the 61st minute. Latapy, who has played for Falkirk in Scotland since 2003, scored after Trinidad had more of the possession and chances.
Chris Birchall sent the ball down the right to Carlos Edwards, who chipped it back to the top of the area. Latapy stuck the volley with his left foot, hitting the left post, but the ball rebounded off the back of diving goalkeeper Brad Guzan and deflected back into the goal.
The USA, which used eight different starters from Saturday night’s 6:1 victory over Cuba that sent the Stars & Stripes into the final round of qualifying, equalized in the 75th minute. Maurice Edu was able to force the ball into the penalty area and off to the right to Altidore, who sent a short cross in front to Charlie Davies, who converted for his first international goal.
T&T: - 1.Clayton Ince, 6.Dennis Lawrence, 3.Aklie Edwards, 5.Keyeno Thomas (4.Makan Hislop 35th), 11.Carlos Edwards, 16.Silvio Spann, 17.Dwight Yorke (capt), 7.Christopher Birchall, 9.Keon Daniel, 10.Russell Latapy (8.Khaleem Hyland 75th), 12.Jason Scotland (14.Stern John 66th).