Ellis McLoughlin (left) scoring a 35th minute strike for the United States in last night's CONCACAF Under-17 World Cup Group B qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium. The United States won 3-0 with the other goals coming from Alexander Nimo in the second and 62nd minutes. - ricardo makyn

LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Canada survived a Costa Rican onslaught and the USA served up Trinidad and Tobago's second defeat in last night's action in the CONCACAF Under-17 World Cup qualifiers at the National Stadium.

Canada managed to eke out a lucky 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, while the USA thrashed the Soca Warriors 3-0. With two days of playing completed, Canada top the five-team group with four points, edging out Costa Rica on a better goal difference. USA have three points while Jamaica and Trinidad have none.

Costa Rica were menacing against Canada, particularly in the first half, with Diego Brenes, Jorge Castro and Marcos Urena leading the attack. Their finishing was somewhat lacking, but The Ticos didn't let up.

Threatening canada

On their part, Canada's nifty Randy Edwini Bonsu, who caused havoc for Jamaica in their 3-0 defeat on Saturday, looked threatening but was unable to find the back of the net. Costa Rica's backline, led by captain Roy Smith, played a huge part in limiting Canada's chances. The tall, dread-locked teenager played wisely to ward off Canada and maintained control while under attack.

After struggling to dictate the game as they did against Jamaica, Canada coach Stephen Hart highlighted Costa Rica as perhaps the most dangerous team in the competition.

"Technically they are very good and they move the ball very fast. Marcos Urena caused some problems for us but we were much better in the second half and got some chances of our own," said Hart.

"I am satisfied with the result but we have to try and keep possession of the ball longer." The USA, the only team in action last night that has played one game, took command early when Alexander Nimo scored in the second minute. Ellis McLoughlin doubled the score in the 35th minute when he met a right-sided cross in the box to blast past goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel.

Deceptive dribbler

Nimo, a deceptive dribbler working on the right side, got his second goal in the 62nd minute when he was on the receiving end of a left-sided cross that went right through the middle of the box and comfortably to his boot.

Trinidad came close to scoring with Micah Lewis forcing Zachary MacMath to make a splendid save in the second half.

McLoughlin would leave the game early when he received a straight red card for a rash tackle in the 78th minute.

Tomorrow USA play Canada at 5:00 p.m. followed by Jamaica and Costa Rica at 7:00 p.m.