Football: Record-tying Altidore lifts US over Honduras

Jozy Altidore matched an American record by scoring a goal for the fourth match in a row to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday in a World Cup 2014 North American qualifier.

Altidore, who plays for Dutch side AK Alkmaar, found the net in the 73rd minute off a centering pass from Fabian Johnson to allow the US squad to avenge a 2-1 loss at Honduras in their CONCACAF final-round qualifying opener.

That gave Altidore, who last year had struggled to score for the US side at times, four consecutive matches with goals, including a 4-3 friendly win over Germany and qualifying triumphs over Jamaica and Panama.

Altidore drew level for the longest US scoring streak, established by William Looby in 1954-1955 and matched by Eric Wynalda, Brian McBride, Eddie Johnson and twice by all-time US goal leader Landon Donovan.

The victory ensured the Americans remain atop the table until the next matches in September, giving them 13 points off four triumphs and a draw in five matches since dropping the opener.

No team with so many points has ever failed to advance to the World Cup from North and Central American and Caribbean qualifying.

The top three teams in the region advance directly to next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil, while the fourth-placed team plays New Zealand for another berth.

Honduras remained on seven points after six matches.