A second-half goal from Herculez Gomez helped the United States avenge their loss to Jamaica last week, and get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.
The U.S. suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Jamaica, and needed to bounce back, with head coach Jurgen Klinsmann promising his team would not repeat their mistakes twice, before the game.
Gomez gave the U.S. all three points, curling in a free kick in the 55th minute in Columbus, and taking the U.S. back to a tie of the lead at the top of its group standings.
"The team did really well, especially what you saw in the first 30 minutes, it was outstanding," a relieved Klinsmann said. "The only thing missing there was scoring a goal.
"You have that sense of urgency that sooner or later gives you that one goal. The players played that way, they had that sense of urgency.
"It was not easy. Jamaica was a very difficult team to play against."
The U.S. moved to 11-1-8 all-time against the Jamaicans, and will take the precious victory, particularly keeping in mind they were missing key midfielders Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan.
"That was an awesome homecoming," Gomez said. "You couldn't ask for more. The crowd was great, and the guys fed off of it.
"It was important for us to regroup after what happened in Jamaica. We knew it wasn't our best performance and we had to step forward and apply today.
"With the help of the crowd, we pushed deep and persevered. It wasn't always pretty, but I think we did it very well."
Gomez revealed the distance for the free kick was perfect for him and he was glad that he could find the target with the U.S. desperately needing that goal. "That was my distance," he said. "I feel comfortable on the ball, on a free kick, striking the ball.
"Thankfully coach had confidence in me. So did my teammates. I struck it and it went in. I'm fortunate and happy."
Klinsmann, who said he did not need to remind his players of the fact that they were playing the game on September 11, admitted there was still a lot of work to do to qualify for the World Cup Finals.
"Everyone was aware," Klinsmann said. "We all knew this was a very special day. The players were outstanding in how they handled it.
"We know it's not done yet," Klinsmann added. "We know it comes down to the wire in World Cup qualifying and have to be very focused."
In other matches, a 61st minute strike from Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez was enough to give Mexico a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica, while Guatemala defeated Antigua and Barbuda with the same scoreline. El Salvador edged Guyana 3-2, with Honduras picking up a 1-0 win over Cuba. Canada suffered a 2-0 defeat to Panama.
