Clint Dempsey marked his first game as captain in perfect style, leading the United States to a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica and get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.
On a pitch which would have suited hockey more than soccer in Commerce City, Colo., the U.S. picked up their first win of the six-team second round CONCACAF Qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup, thanks to a first half winner from Dempsey.
"It was difficult out here to see anything," Dempsey said. "We were able to come together when we needed to."
The game was almost called off in the 55th minute by the match commissioner, before finally deciding to carry on and play the remaining 35 minutes.
Jurgen Klinsmann's side had lost their previous encounter 2-1 to Honduras, and needed nothing short of three points against Costa Rica; and in the toughest conditions imaginable, the U.S. put in a professional performance, despite being without several of their big name players.
Dempsey, who was named captain after Carlos Bocanegra was left out of the squad, got the only goal of the game in the 16th minute latching onto a deflected shot from Jozy Altidore, before slotting it into the back of the net for his seventh goal of the qualifying campaign.
U.S. will next meet Mexico, who threw away a two-goal lead to Honduras Friday in San Pedro Sula.
Carlos Costly and Jerry Bengston, from the penalty spot, canceled out a double from Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez to stun Mexico. Honduras, with the tie, are now top of the standings on four points.
Regional powerhouse, Mexico, however, are still searching for their first win in the second round, after they could only manage 0-0 result against Jamaica in the first game.
Mexico, looking for their first win in Honduras since 1993, looked to be on their way to a comfortable outing when Hernandez struck in the 28th minute, heading home off a cross from Andres Guardado.
It was 2-0 nine minutes into the second half, when the Mexican forward found the back of the net off a freekick from Carlos Salcido.
However, things went awry for the Mexicans starting with Costly's goal in the 77th minute. The Honduras striker then won a penalty for the home side, which Bengston converted off a rebound from his own miss after Guillermo Ochoa has saved the initial penalty.
