It's never easy for the US national team to play in Central America, but the Americans snapped a 21-game unbeaten streak against Guatemala on Friday night, losing 2-0 in CONCACAF 2018 World Cup qualifying in Guatemala City.
The hosts struck twice in the game's first 15 minutes, as Rafael Morales headed home a corner kick in the seventh minute, and then former LA Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz took a direct route in scoring the second goal, running onto a long goal kick from Guatemala goalkeeper Paulo Motta and nutmegging Tim Howard on his tally.
By that point, the damage was done. The US pushed for a goal to get back into the game, but Motta stood tall, making five crucial saves to preserve the shutout.
Box Score
- 7' – GUA – Rafael Morales (Jean Marquez)
- 15' – GUA – Carlos Ruiz (Paulo Motta)
- Full box score
- Stats
Next Up
- GUA: Tuesday 3/29 at US (MAPFRE Stadium, Columbus) (7 pm ET, ESPN2)
- US: Tuesday 3/29 vs. Guatemala (MAPFRE Stadium, Columbus) (7 pm ET, ESPN2)
