Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi scored the fourth goal of his international career on Tuesday to help the United States Men's National Team secure a 4-0 win over Guatemala in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Zusi, who joined the U.S. roster on Sunday, started and played 81 minutes as Jurgen Klinsmann's side collected three precious points to jump to second place in Group C of CONCACAF's semifinal qualifying round. The Sporting Kansas City playmaker marked his 33rd international appearance with the game's third goal just 18 seconds into the second half.
Tuesday's victory gives the U.S. seven points through four matches in the semifinal round of qualifying. Twelve CONCACAF nations have been divided into three groups, with the top two finishers in each group advancing to the final phase of World Cup qualifying, called "The Hexagonal." The Yanks will face Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Sept. 2) and group leaders Trinidad and Tobago (Sept. 6) in the last two matches of the semifinal stage.
The U.S. wasted little time atoning for a 2-0 loss at Guatemala last Friday, drawing first blood within 12 minutes. Gyasi Zardes won a header that fell neatly into the path of Clint Dempsey, who buried his one-time shot to move atop the U.S. MNT's all-time chart with his 14th career goal in World Cup qualifying. The Americans doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when center back Geoff Cameron nodded home following a well-delivered free kick from Michael Bradley.
Less than a minute after the restart, Zusi notched his first goal in U.S. colors since October 2013. A fortuitous bounce off Zardes allowed Zusi to fire low through traffic and into the far corner. Substitute Jozy Altidore added a fourth goal in the 89th minute, finishing high into the net from Dempsey's square pass.
Zusi will rejoin Sporting Kansas City ahead of Saturday's regular season match against Real Salt Lake at Children's Mercy Park. Featuring a pair of unbeaten MLS clubs, the game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and a limited number of tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
