Conrad kick-starts US victory

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jimmy Conrad scored his first international goal and Landon Donovan converted a late breakaway, leading the United States national soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Mexico in a friendly last night that extended the Americans' dominance of their regional rival.

Conrad headed home a corner kick by Donovan in the 52d minute, beating goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez inside the left post. It was the 24th career assist for Donovan, the US career leader.

Donovan added the clincher in the 90th minute off a pass by Ricardo Clark. It was the 27th goal in 86 international appearances for Donovan, who scored in his second straight game after going scoreless in 18 consecutive national team appearances over 1 1/2 years.

Playing in front of a sellout crowd of 64,462, the Americans improved to 8-2-1 against Mexico since 2000.