Thursday Roundup

 SPORTS

TEAM USA, EL TRI QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP

CONCACAF-regional qualifying for this year's World Cup concluded on Wednesday with four games.

At San Jose, Costa Rica, despite dropping a 2-0 road decision to Costa Rica, the United States qualified for the upcoming World Cup.

The Ticos will take on New Zealand in a one-game intercontinental playoff in Doha Qatar on June 13 or 14.

At Mexico City, Carlos Atuna (17') and Raul Jimenez (PK-43') each scored once as Mexico joined the Americans (and Canada too) in qualifying for the World Cup after blanking visiting El Salvador 2-0

Gabriel Torres scored the only goal of Panama's 1-0 home victory over Canada at Panama City in the 49th minute.

At Kingston, Jamaica, Leon Bailey (PK-39') and Ravel Morrison (45'+2) each scored a goal late in the first half as Jamaica knocked off visiting Honduras 2-1.

Final Octagonal Round Standings:

1. Canada (GP: 14; GD: +16; PTS: 28)

2. Mexico (GP: 14; GD: +9; PTS: 28)

3. United States (GP: 14; GD: +11;PTS: 25)

4. Costa Rica (GP: 14; GD: +5; PTS: 25)

5. Panama (GP: 14; GD: -2; PTS: 21)

6. Jamaica (GP: 14; GD: -10; PTS: 11)

7. El Salvador (GP: 14; GD: -10; PTS: 10)

8. Honduras (GP: 14; GD: -19; PTS: 4)

Canada, Mexico, and the United States qualified automatically for the FIFA World Cup while Costa Rica with play New Zealand in Qatar in June in a one-match intercontinental playoff.

T2 Drop MLS Next Pro Debut

At Hillsboro, Oregon, Eduardo Blancas (PK-66') and Nathan Scott (69') each scored a second-half goal three minutes apart on Wednesday as San Jose Earthquakes II blanked homestanding Portland Timbers II 2-0 in MLS Next Pro action in the season opener for both clubs.

MLS Next Pro is a newly-formed third-division league starting its' inaugural season.

C.J. Makes Triumphant Return To Portland At Blazers' Expense

In Portland, Oregon on Wednesday night, C.J. McCallum scored 25 points as the New Orleans Pelicans (33-43), with five players scoring in double figures outgunned his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers (27-49), 117-107 on the road.

Drew Eubanks paced the Blazers, who were probably making their last stand for a shot at postseason play, with 21 points while grabbing nine rebounds.