The Americans played more aggressively before a near capacity home crowd

FIFA World Cup

USA rallies to beat Honduras 2-1, extends home streak against CONCACAF opponents

Carlos Bocanegra scored his 11th international goal to complete a USA rally
Photo by Tony Quinn and the U.S. Soccer Federation6/6/2009 - CHICAGO – Carlos Bocanegra scored his 11th international goal in the 68th minute to give the United States a 2-1 victory over El Salvador on Saturday, recovering from its loss three days earlier in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

After being beaten 3-1 by Costa Rica in San Jose on Wednesday, the Americans played more aggressively before a near capacity home crowd of 55,647 in Chicago’s Soldier Field and kept pace with the Ticos in the final round standings after five games. The United States improved to 10 points and remained in second place, two behind Costa Rica.

Honduras remained with four points after four games.

Bocanegra scored from Landon Donovan’s corner kick, lunging headfirst inside the six-yard box to nod a headed ball from Clint Dempsey at the backpost.

Three countries will qualify automatically for the 32-team World Cup next year in South Africa, while the fourth-place team will enter a playoff with the fifth-place team from South America for the final berth.

Bocanegra’s goal completed the United States’ rally from an early deficit once again. After falling behind 2-0 in the first 13 minutes against Costa Rica, the USA fell behind in the fifth minute on a goal by Carlos Costly.

Carlos Pavon dispossessed Dempsey in midfield and quickly closed on goal. Approaching the penalty area, Pavon lost his balance, but not before slipping the ball left to Costly, who drove a shot from 25 yards just inside the left post.

Neither side created many quality chances in the first half, but the United States had slightly better possession and it paid dividends in the 43rd when Mario Beata was called for a handball on a long pass out of the back that bounced.

Donovan converted for his 11th goal in World Cup qualifying, passing Brian McBride for the all-time lead.

With the insertion of 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup hero Benny Feilhaber to start the second half, the Americans dominated possession and looked dangerous repeatedly, culminating with Bocanegra’s goal.

The Americans next head to South Africa to play in the Confederations Cup, while Honduras will return home to face El Salvador on Wednesday in another World Cup qualifier.

The victory extended the United States’ home unbeaten streak against CONCACAF opponents to 53 games, including 43 wins. The last time it lost at home within the region was against Honduras, 3-2 in Washington in September 2001.