[CONCACAF UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP] The USA had a chance to clinch Sunday to clinch a berth at the 2009 Under-20 World Cup in Egypt, but it was badly outplayed by Honduras and had to settle for a 0-0 tie that means it must earn at least a point against El Salvador on Tuesday to qualify unless Jamaica and Honduras tie.

UCLA goalie Brian Perk saved the Americans with several big-time stops against Honduras. After a first half marred by a power outage, the Catrachos piled on the pressure. Honduras finished with a 11-3 edge in shots and 11-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Americans played the last 30 minutes with 10 men after midfielder Billy Schuler, who had entered the game just minutes earlier, was issued a straight red card for a tackle against Jose Israel Fonseca. The USA has beaten Honduras in only one of eight U-20 meetings.

“As we had anticipated, the game against Honduras was very tough,” said U.S. coach Thomas Rongen. “We are happy that we were able to put ourselves in a good position to determine our own fate heading into our last game against El Salvador.”

The USA had opened with a 3-0 win over Jamaica thanks to goals by Peri Marosevic, Dilly Duka and Schuler. It is looking to secure a berth in a record seventh straight Under-20 World Cup.