Antonee Robinson's 2nd-half strike earned the US an unconvincing 1-zero victory over El Salvador to move a step towards 2022 World Cup qualification on Thursday in bloodless conditions in Columbus.
Fulham defender Robinson lashed home inside the 52nd minute after Timothy Weah's correct lead-up work inside the decisive second, as USA moved up to 18 factors from nine video games.
USA briefly moved into pinnacle spot in the CONCACAF qualifying standings, with Canada because of tackle Honduras later.
Jesus Ferreira, beginning in a World Cup qualifier for the primary time, burnt first-1/2 probabilities, before Robinson broke the impasse early in the second half as USA stamped their superiority.
The hosts pressed for a 2d aim, with El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez acrobatically denying Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah's poke.
El Salvador's best threat came in the 85th minute as Joaquin Rivas glanced Bryan Tamacas' go wide, even as USA fluffed opportunities with Weston McKennie and Gyasi Zardes headers.
