Americans lose World Cup qualifier

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 4 (UPI) -- Alvaro Saborio scored in the second minute Wednesday and Costa Rica went on to defeat the United States 3-1 in World Cup qualifying.

It was the first loss for the Americans in four matches during the final round of North American qualifying for next year's World Cup in South Africa. The setback dropped the United States into second place behind Costa Rica among the six teams battling for three World Cup berths.

Costa Rica has won its last 12 home qualifiers. The United States has never won a match in Costa Rica, whether it be a World Cup qualifier or an exhibition.

Costa Rica now has nine points to seven for the Americans. The United States will host Honduras in Chicago in another qualifier Saturday.

Celso Borges and Pablo Herrera also scored for Costa Rica. The only American goal came from Landon Donovan on a penalty kick in stoppage time.