Seattle Sounders defender Joevin Jones recorded a brace and led Trinidad and Tobago to a 2-2 draw with Guatemala on Friday in 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. The Soca Warriors improved to 11 points and secured their spot in the Hexagonal.
Guatemala took the lead in the 36th minute on a goal from Carlos Ruiz before Jones equalized in the 45th and helped T&T take the lead in the 62nd on a brilliant solo effort. Trinidad and Tobago would have taken full points had Ruiz not again found the back of the net in the 87th minute.
The United States, who defeated St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, play T&T on Sept. 6 and will qualify for the Hex with a win or draw. The only way the U.S. does not advance is with a loss to T&T, a Guatemala win vs. St. Vincent and Guatemala erasing a 12-goal differential.
In Friday's late game, Sounders defender Roman Torres, who recently returned to game action after being sidelined for nearly a year recovering from a torn ACL, started for Panama in their 2-0 win over Jamaica. Torres went just over 80 minutes to help Los Canaleros earn the shutout and secure their spot in the Hexagonal.
Panama sit in second place in CONCACAF Group B with 10 points, behind Costa Rica with 13 and ahead of Jamaica (4) and Haiti. Torres and Panama will face Costa Rica on Sept. 6 in the final match of qualifying.
