U.S. earns key 4-0 victory over Guatemala

Talk about your quick turnarounds.

Four days after a humiliating 2-0 loss in Guatemala that put its 2018 World Cup qualifying hopes in jeopardy, the United States men's soccer team exacted revenge with a resounding 4-0 win in a rematch Tuesday night in Columbus, Ohio.

The result enabled the U.S. to jump over Guatemala into second place in its group, a critical distinction with only two matches remaining in group play. The three points gives the U.S. seven, one more than Guatemala.

Trinidad and Tobago tops the group leads the group with 10 points. The top two teams advance to the final round of World Cup qualifying from the North America, Central America and Caribbean region (CONCACAF).

With talk that coach Jurgen Klinsmann's job was in danger with a loss or even a tie, the U.S. wasted little time establishing control. Forward Clint Dempsey gave the home team the only goal it needed in the 12th minute, collecting a loose ball in the box and ripping a shot past helpless goalie Paulo Motta.

Off a set piece, defender Geoff Cameron made it 2-0 in the 36th minute. Cameron beat his defender to the box and headed home a precise free kick from midfielder Michael Bradley for his fourth international goal -- all off headers.

After Klinsmann told an ESPN sideline reporter that he wanted a third goal, the U.S. provided it just 21 seconds into the second half as midfielder Graham Zusi slotted a loose ball into the lower left corner.

Forward Jozy Altidore came off the bench for the final goal, making no mistake off Dempsey's assist in the box in the 89th minute. An incorrect offside call wiped out a goal just four minutes earlier from reserve Ethan Finlay, a Columbus Crew midfielder who was playing in his home stadium.

Goalie Brad Guzan only had to make two saves to record a clean sheet.

The U.S. can wrap up a spot in the final stage of CONCACAF qualifying by winning its final two match in the semifinal round. On Sept. 2, the USA plays at St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which it routed 6-1 on Nov. 13 in St. Louis. Trinidad and Tobago visits the United States on Sept. 6. The teams played a scoreless draw on Nov. 17 in Port of Spain.