USA won it's World Cup qualifier today in Utah 2-1 over El Salvador. (AP Photo/George Frey)
The United States Mens national soccer team rallied to defeat El Salvador 2-1 tonight in Sandy, Utah, to push the Americans closer to qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
Landon Donovan assisted on both USA goals. Headers by Clint Dempsey in the 41st minute and Jozy Altidore in added time before the half were enough for the Yanks.
El Salvador had taken a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute on a goal by Christian Castillo.
USA goalkeeper Tim Howard's save of William Reyes's point-blank shot in the 87th preserved the victory in the final six-nation round of qualifying in the North and Central America and Caribbean region.
Three teams advance from the region directly to next year's World Cup finals in South Africa. The fourth-placed team will play off for a berth against South America's fifth-placed team.
The victory saw the United States improve to 13 points with three games remaining, starting Wednesday at Trinidad and Tobago.
Honduras beat Trinidad & Tobago 4-1 today to draw level with the US at the top of the group, also with 13 points. Honduras, though, has a better goal differential.
Mexico traveled top Costa Rica and came away with a huge 3-0 victory to put their total at 12 points.
NY Times: Two headers push USA closer
Jack Bell: Player ratings
USSoccer.com: Full coverage
Fifa.com: USA's qualification group standings
United State's Jozy Altidore, left, kicks the ball past El Salvador's Mardoqueo Henriquez during the second half of a FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match in Sandy, Utah, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/George Frey)
United States team runs down field as fans celebrate after the U.S. scored their first goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match in Sandy, Utah, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/George Frey)
Fan in the stands catches Altidore's goal:
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