Huge weekend puts 2010 South Africa in US future

Was it pretty? NO. Did it resemble the teams that took silver at the Confederations Cup this Summer? NO. Was it enough for the United States Men's National Team to make it a successful weekend?YES. In the greater reality of things, that last part is all that really matters.

Last Saturday the US pulled out a come-back win against El Salvador at home to avoid disaster and secure a 2-1 victory. Then on Wednesday night the Stars and Stripes did it again as they went to Trinidad and secured the teams first road victory of this round in qualifying. These two matches proved to be what the doctor ordered for the US and the nations hopes for qualifying for a sixth straight World Cup. Following a heart-breaker at Azteca Stadium in August the US make next year's trip to South Africa almost a sure bet.

However the two wins they needed, did not come in an all too convincing fashion. On Saturday Night in Sandy, Utah. Sam's Army proved to being dominating the early part of the match, and looked to take the lead. Then of a counter attack El Salvador shocked the home team in the 32nd minute, as Christian Castillo's header put the visitors up 1-0. Panic almost engulfed the US crowd as it looked like the Yanks would go to the locker down 1-0, at home, in a game they NEEDED. Then Landon Donovan found Clint Dempsey in the 42nd minute off a free kick to tie the match. Again in stoppage time for the first half, Landon Donovan (did I mention this Donovan guy is pretty good) found Jozy Altidore on similar type cross to give the Americans the lead at the half.

In the second half the Americans had the better part of possession, but at times there were some scary moments where it looked like El Salvador could equalize. But hair-pulling moments aside the US secured 3 points at home. A feat that had to be achieved.

Then came the tricky road trip 4 days latter, and the US traveled to Trinidad. The Yanks looks relaxed in the stadium that had more empty seats than fans. As a matter of fact, the Americans were almost a little too relaxed, as with the exception of a couple of chances the Americans never really threatened. The US picked up the pressure in the second half, and made some better combo plays to penetrate the Trinidad defence. Then of a loose ball Ricardo Clark fired a rocket in the back of the net to put the US up 1-0. With the exception of a shot that hit the side netting the Americans shut down the offence of Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, the Americans were looking to make it a two goal game. The never found that security goal, but at the end of the game Bob Bradley's team looked more than content to take the 3 points on the road. When the final whistle blew it capped off a good 5 days for Red, White, and Blue.

Other results also favored the Americans in this round, Costa Rica lost 3-0 to Mexico (AT HOME) and were then upset 1-0 to lowly El Salvador. That left Honduras at the top of the CONCACAF table, but they lost to Mexico 1-0. With these results the US is first in the region, with Mexico a point back. With these results the Americans worst-case scenario is that they finish fourth in the region (which means a trouble making play-off with South America's 5th place team). Realistically the Americans need only to tie one of there final two matches and they will qualify in the top 3. For Bob Bradley's men this weekend was one of opportunity. While it was not the greatest performance, it was good enough. For the US they CAME, they SAW, they QUALIFIED.