SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Johnny Acosta and Celso Borges scored in the first 10 minutes Friday, igniting Costa Rica to a 3-1 win over the United States in World Cup qualifying.
The six-nation battle in North and Central America for three automatic spots into next year's soccer showcase in Brazil was tightened by Friday's action, during which Mexico suffered a shocking home loss to Honduras.
Costa Rica moved to the top of the standings with 14 points, one more than the United States. Honduras climbed into third place with 10 points and Mexico slipped to fourth with eight. Panama has seven points and Jamaica has three after those countries played to an 0-0 tie.
The American loss ended a 12-match international winning streak and came in a hostile environment. Costa Rican fans were enraged when the United States won a 1-0 decision earlier in the qualifying process in a game played during a Colorado blizzard.
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Fans used eggs to pelt the bus carrying the Americans from the San Jose airport when they traveled to Costa Rica for Friday's game.
The Americans could have clinched a spot in the World Cup with a win Friday, but even though the setback was a surprise it could not begin to match the shock of Mexico's 2-1 home loss to Honduras.
Honduras produced two goals in the span of 3 minutes early in the second half to overcome a 1-0 deficit. Mexico has just one win in its seven qualifying games.
There will be another round of qualifying on Monday with the United States hosting Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. Costa Rica will be at Jamaica and Honduras will be at home against Panama.
Each team has three matches remaining. The top three in the standings will go to Brazil next year. The fourth-place finisher will take on New Zealand in a two-match, aggregate score series for another World Cup spot.
