El Salvador defeated the United States in their first match of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. (1:31).
In its first match of the Octagonal round CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in San Salvador, Thursday night, the United States drew with El Salvador.
Tyler Adams wore an armband for the U.S. and was the youngest player of the modern era to do this, while Christian Pulisic, Zack Steffen, and Zack Steffen weren't there as they recovered from setbacks.
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In the first 15 minutes, the teams traded heads with Miles Robinson (USA) and Ronald Rodriguez (El Salvador) sending their efforts from set pieces narrowly past the crossbar.
The U.S. advanced into the second half, with Josh Sargent becoming more involved in the Americans attack. However, neither team scored and the game ended in a draw.
The goals were still impossible for either team, so Gregg Berhalter, the U.S. manager, made three substitutes at the end of the hour. He brought in Kellyn Acosta, Antonee Robinson, and Jordan Siebatcheu to help jumpstart his team.
As the match neared the 80 minute mark, Weston McKennie spotted a header wide. Mario Gonzalez, El Salvador's keeper, smothered Acosta’s effort to return off the bar.
Both teams could not find a winner so they settled for a point. The U.S. was next up in action in Nashville against Canada.
After the first round, Mexico was the leader, with three points from a victory over Jamaica. The other matches were drawn.
The U.S. is trying to bounce back from the failure to qualify for 2018 World Cup. It is currently ranked at 10th. El Salvador is 64th. Los Cuscatlecos only reached two World Cups in 1970 and 1982. The U.S. currently ranks 10th, with 18 wins, six draws, and one loss. This matchup also includes an 18-game streak of unbeaten (15 victories) The United States had won the December exhibition 6-0.
Three of the eight countries that reached the regional Octagonal finals qualified for the World Cup in Qatar next year, while fourth place qualifies for a playoff.
