Wood equaliser earns US precious Cup point

Sep 5, 2017 - 10:09 PM Bobby Wood scored off a scramble in the 85th minute and the United States escaped from Honduras with a 1-1 draw after almost falling into a deep hole in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Romell Quioto scored in the 27th minute after defender Omar Gonzalez missed with his slide tackle.

Quioto was left with an open 11-yard shot that beat goalkeeper Brad Guzan at the far post, causing exuberant fans to stomp and shake Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano.

The previously well-behaved fans threw horns and liquids at the Americans as they exited the field.

With only five minutes remaining in regulation time, Wood chested the ball and scored his ninth international goal, avoiding a huge US embarrassment and deflating fans who had been celebrating since the start.

The US remain third in the North and Central American and Caribbean region with nine points, ahead of Honduras on goal difference with two qualifiers remaining.

Panama have seven points and can overtake the Americans later on Tuesday when they host last-placed Trinidad and Tobago.

The top three nations in the six-team group qualify for next year's tournament in Russia, and the fourth-place country meets Australia or Syria in a playoff for another berth.

The US hosts Panama on October 6 at Orlando, Florida, and finishes four days later at Trinidad, so coach Bruce Arena's team has control of their own fate.

Source: AAP