New England Soccer Today

Guatemala Finally Gets the Best of U.S.

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

For the first time in over 28 years, the United States fell in defeat to Guatemala, which claimed a stunning 2-0 win during Friday’s World Cup Qualifier in Guatemala City.

Rafael Morales wasted no time putting the guests in a difficult spot when he opening the scoring inside of seven minutes.

That lead was doubled only eight minutes later when none other than longtime U.S. and Revolution irritant Carlos Ruiz tallied in the 15th minute to give Los Chapines its first victory over the U.S. since Jan. 1988.

Attleboro, Mass. native Geoff Cameron was given the start at center back while Boston College alum Alejandro Bedoya was slotted on the wing. Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen did not see action.

While the scoreline may not have reflected it, the sides both fired the same number of shots (11). In terms of overall possession, it was no contest as the U.S. gained held the ball at a 63 percent clip.

The U.S. won’t have to wait long for a chance to repay the favor when they return to action on Tuesday against Guatemala in the home leg of the series at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus.

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