The United States failed to make it to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, following a 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.
The US were bidding to reach their eighth World Cup on the trot but the defeat and the wins recorded by rivals Panama and Honduras in CONCACAF ended their hopes of qualifying for Russia.
Omar Gonzalez scored an own goal, Alvin Jones made it 2-0 before Christian Pulisic pulled one back for Bruce Arena’s men.
Trinidad and Tobago almost made it three after Jones’ long range strike bobbled in front of Howard and left the American struggling to keep the ball out.