Guatemala shock USA in World Cup qualifier

LOS ANGELES — Guatemala dealt a lackluster United States a devastating 2-0 defeat in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Friday in Guatemala City.

With goals in the first 15 minutes from Rafael Morales and Carlos Ruiz and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Paulo Motta, Guatemala earned their first ever World Cup qualifying victory over the USA and leapfrogged over Jurgen Klinsmann's men into second place in Group C in the fourth round of qualifying in North and Central America (CONCACAF).

Klinsmann had been bullish heading into the match – the first of two in five days against Guatemala – saying he was hoping for maximum points so the United States could secure their spot in the final "Hexagonal" phase of qualifying before turning their attention to the Copa America Centenario.

Instead the Americans will be in damage control mode when they host Guatemala in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday.

Guatemala got off to a dream start when Morales rose for a corner and nodded it off the back of Mix Diskerud and past US goalkeeper Tim Howard in the seventh minute.

Ruiz made it 2-0 in the 15th when a long goal kick from Motta rolled untouched past the US defense, Ruiz racing onto it and beating Howard.

After struggling throughout the first half to create clear chances, the visitors looked more dangerous early in the second.

Motta, however, answered the challenge, denying Clint Dempsey and Diskerud from close range.

Motta made half a dozen solid saves to the keep the US at bay, including stopping an 81st-minute attempt by substitute Jozy Altidore.

The victory gave Guatemala six points from three matches, one behind Group C leaders Trinidad and Tobago, who battled back from a 1-0 halftime deficit for a 3-2 victory at lowly St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Levi Garcia's two goals for Trinidad included the game-winner in the 82nd minute.

The United States' four points put them in third, ahead only of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with none.