Playing on their home turf this time, the United States avenged Friday's loss against Jamaica with a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win.
The team is now in a tie for the group lead after Herculez Gomez converted the game's only goal on a free kick in the 55th minute of the match.
The U.S. was in a must win situation after Friday's surprising 2-1 loss to the Reggae Boyz.
"That was an awesome homecoming," Gomez told the Associated Press. "You couldn't ask for more. The crowd was great, and the guys fed off of it."
Following the loss, U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann tinkered with his starting lineup and now sits tied with Guatemala (2-1-1) at seven points in Group A of the North and Central American and Caribbean semifinals.
Clint Dempsey started at forward with Gomez, while Jozy Altidore was benched. He also started Danny Williams, Graham Zusi and Jose Torres at midfield.
Captain Carlos Bocanegra started in central defense for Clarence Goodson, who was suspended because of yellow-card accumulation. Steve Cherundolo returned from injury recovered and replaced Michael Parkhurst at right back.
The top two nations will move on to the six-team regional finals next year, which will produce three qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Mexico already advanced out of Group B to the six-team CONCACAF finals with a 1-0 win against Costa Rica.
The remaining games for the U.S. include Antigua and Barbuda on Oct. 12 and against Guatemala in Kansas City on Oct. 16.
"We know it's not done yet," said Klinsmann. "We know it's down to the wire. That's what World Cup qualifiers are about."
The U.S. had numerous chances to score in the first half, but couldn't put the ball past Jamaican goalie Dwayne Miller. The Americans took advantage later after a foul by Rodolph Austin on Dempsey that gave them a free kick.
Gomez put the ball into the net from 28 yards out.
"It was important for us to regroup after what happened in Jamaica," Gomez said. "We knew it wasn't our best performance, and we had to step forward and apply today. With the help of the crowd, we pushed deep and persevered. It wasn't always pretty, but I think we did it very well."
It was Gomez's fifth international goal and second one during qualifying. He played on the 2010 World Cup team and is one of the most important players for the U.S., who were without Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley due to injuries.
"I feel comfortable on the ball, on a free kick, striking the ball," Gomez said. "Thankfully coach had confidence in me. So did my teammates. I struck it and it went in. I'm fortunate and happy."
The U.S. continued its dominance while playing in Columbus at Crew Stadium, improving to 5-0-2 in World Cup qualifying and 6-0-3 overall.
The Americans had many more opportunities than Jamaica, outshooting them 10-3. The U.S. didn't allow a shot in the first half.
In the final minutes of the game Jamaica went on the attack, but Tim Howard was able to push away Austin's shot to preserve the 1-0 win.
"This is probably one of the best homefield advantages we have," Howard said. "We should play here more often."
Before the game the players and the crowd had a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on its 11th anniversary.
"Everyone was aware," Klinsmann said of his players. "We all knew this was a very special day. The players were outstanding in how they handled it."
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