Port of Spain, Trinidad (My Sportsbook) - Ricardo Clark's goal in the 61st minute was enough to lift the United States to a 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on Wednesday.

Despite being outplayed in the first half by the home side, the United States was able to find the net in the second half with a 25-yard rocket from Clark, and after a few nervous moments in the final 10 minutes, the Americans held out for all three points.

With the result, the United States takes over the top spot in the group, one point clear of second-placed Mexico after they knocked off Honduras, 1-0.

The other match in the group saw El Salvador surprise Costa Rica, 1-0, keeping El Salvador's hopes of qualification alive while Costa Rica is fourth.

Trinidad created the best chances in the first half and was unlucky not to take a lead into halftime.

U.S. Goalkeeper Tim Howard needed to make an awkward save on the goal line from a Kenwyne Jones header, while Cornell Glen came within inches of giving his team the lead when he lobbed a shot over the head of Howard that came back off the crossbar.

Howard was then forced to make a save at full stretch to prevent Trent Noel's free kick from beating him at the near post, keeping the Americans on level terms.

The best chance the visitors had to find the net came in first-half stoppage time when Jozy Altidore played Landon Donovan into the area on the left and he fired low into the feet of goalkeeper Clayton Ince.

The U.S. continued to look second best after halftime, but they found the breakthrough against the run of play when Donovan took possession on the left wing and picked out Clark 30 yards from goal.

He took one touch and then ripped a right-footed shot past the keeper and inside the post from 25 yards, putting the Americans in front.

The lead could have doubled in the 79th minute but Ince made a diving stop on a long-range effort from Clint Dempsey, and Donovan fired over from eight yards after a good cross from Stuart Holden just before stoppage time.

T&T was not able to create as many chances as they did in the first half, but they didn't allow the favored Americans to rest easy until the final whistle, with a deflected cross from Carlos Edwards forcing Howard to make one final save to preserve the win.