Sporting KC's three CONCACAF internationals all started last night for their countries in World Cup qualifiers, unfortunately though none of them were able to pick up a win. Matt Besler, Marcel de Jong, and Soni Mustivar all started for the US, Canada, and Haiti in the second match of the fourth round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. The US and Canada had both picked up wins in their first game while Haiti had lost on the road to Costa Rica in their first game.
Last night it was the first road game for both the US and Canada. The US took on Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain. Besler started for the US again, partnering Geoff Cameron in the middle of the USA's defense. The pair was solid for the US all night working to keep Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones in check. At the other end of the field though the USA struggled offensively. It certainly wasn't a pretty game for the US and ended 0-0, but they'll take the point on the road and will remain strong favorites to advance out of the group.
Canada's first road trip was in San Salvador where they played an El Salvador team that has players on strike. De Jong once again started at left back for Canada as they too escaped with a road point. Like the US, Canada now has four points from their first two games. They now sit second in their group behind Mexico, who has six points.
Mustivar and Haiti weren't as lucky at home against Jamaica. After a strong Gold Cup it was thought that Haiti could make Group B a real group of death in CONCACAF that could see Costa Rica or Panama upset and not make the Hex. Haiti though suffered a 1-0 loss at home last night in Port-au-Prince to Jamaica which now leaves them rooted at the foot of the group after two games. Mustivar started for the Haitians in his traditional midfield position.
Qualifying is now done until March when the US will take on Guatemala in a pair of games, Canada will play Mexico, and Haiti will play Panama.
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