Jordan Morris's late goal preserved the important 3-2 victory , though, and as long as the USA keeps pace with Panama and maintains the tiebreaker by securing at least a three-goal win, it'll avoid a quarterfinal clash against Group A winner Costa Rica.

Carlos Chavarria, the scorer of Nicaragua's lone goal in the competition, is suspended for the match due to card accumulation, making things more favorable for the Americans.

Nicaragua found a couple of half-chances in a short spurt a few minutes later, with Luis Galeano forcing a Dax McCarty turnover and firing from long range, sending his chance well wide of Bill Hamid's goal.

Graham Zusi had the USA's best chance the early going in the 21st minute, completing a winding run through Nicaragua's midfield and defense only to put his left-footed blast right at Lorente, who made a confident save.

MIDFIELDERS : Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)