* Ricardo Clark scores second half winner for U.S.
* U.S. top standings, Trinidad and Tobago out of running
(adds details)
MIAMI - Ricardo Clark struck a 62nd minute goal
as the United States laboured to a 1-0 win away to Trinidad and
Tobago in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
The result sends the U.S. three points clear at the top of
the qualifying group for North and Central America and the
Caribbean, at least until the group's other two games are
played later on Wednesday.
With their loss, Trinidad's hopes of qualification formally
ended as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table on five
points with two matches remaining.
The U.S. survived some scares during a scrappy first half -
most notably when Cornell Glen struck the cross-bar with a lob
in the 29th minute.
Jozy Altidore responded with a fierce strike from distance
which Trinidad keeper Clayton Ince did well to keep out.
But the home side continued to press forward and Trent Noel
twice went close with free kicks just before the interval.
The U.S, who had lacked fluency and purpose in a ragged
first half display, produced a sterner performance after the
interval and grabbed the lead with Clark's powerful strike from
20 meters out.
U.S coach Bob Bradley looked ready to substitute Clark
moments before he picked up the ball from Landon Donovan and
unleashed a superb shot that keeps the U.S on track for a place
in South Africa.
Later on Wednesday, second-placed Honduras were at
third-placed Mexico while El Salvador were hosting
fourth-placed Costa Rica.
The top three teams in the group qualify automatically for
next year's finals in South Africa while the fourth-placed team
must play-off against the fifth-placed side from South America.
(Reprting by Simon Evans in Miami; Editing by Julian
Linden. To query or comment on this story email
sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)