The Americans had already clinched a berth in the six-team final round of North American qualifying and rested many of their key players.

Nevertheless, Yorke's goal on a penalty kick brought about an unexpected result that allowed Trinidad and Tobago to move ahead of Guatemala into second place in the four-team group. The top two teams in each of the three groups move on to the final round, from which three teams will automatically advance to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Cuba recorded an equally stunning 2-1 win over Guatemala Wednesday. With one match remaining in Group 1, the United States has 12 points, Trinidad and Tobago has eight, Guatemala five and Cuba three.

Trinidad and Tobago needs only to tie Cuba next month to clinch a spot in the final round and will advance even with a loss if the United States defeats Guatemala.

In Group 2, Mexico all but wrapped up a berth in the final round by rallying for a 2-2 tie with Canada. Although Mexico could wind up in a second-place tie with Jamaica, the Mexicans have a large lead in the goal differential tiebreaker.