U.S. stumbles, `still in good position'.(Chicago Tribune)

WASHINGTON _ Honduras exploited a porous defense, a potent counterattack and a suspect penalty call to upend the United States 3-2 Saturday and deal a mild setback to the host's World Cup hopes.

In front of 54,282 fans at what sounded like an away game at times, the U.S. saw a 19-game unbeaten streak on home soil end at RFK Stadium. The U.S. had not lost a home qualifier since May 1985 and had not given up three goals in a home qualifier since November 1960.

With three games remaining in final qualifying for the 2002 competition in Japan and South Korea, the Americans' next big test is Wednesday in Costa Rica, which beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 Saturday.

Costa Rica (5-1-1) took over first place in the six-team division with 16 points. The U.S. (4-2-1) is second with 13 points, followed by Honduras (3-2-2), Jamaica (2-2-2) and Mexico (2-3-1). The top three qualify.

``We're still in good position,'' said forward Earnie Stewart, who scored both U.S. goals. ``We have points.''

The U.S. went into halftime both tied and deflated after Stewart missed on a penalty kick. Stewart planned to try for inside the left post but switched at the last moment and shot too close to 5-foot-7-inch goalie Noel Valladares, who tipped it away.

Matters worsened at the start of the second half. Twice the U.S. defense allowed Carlos Pavon scoring chances.