The 20-year-old Johnson scored on the half-hour mark in only his fourth international appearance, while Lewis struck the eventual winner just after the break to clinch the points as the teams opened the 10-game final group qualifying stage.

The U.S. win, secured by a world class performance from keeper Kasey Keller, stretched their unbeaten run to 32 matches against regional competition and 14 versus all opponents.

After a subdued first half, Trinidad played with more purpose in the second period but only had substitute Angus Eve's 89th-minute consolation goal to show for the efforts.

The U.S. had nearly grabbed an early lead when Pablo Mastroeni hit a 40-metre dipping shot that forced goalkeeper Shaka Hislop to push the ball over the bar.

JOHNSON STRIKES

Johnson then opened the scoring when he ran unmarked into the area to nod home a Steve Cherundolo cross from 15 metres giving Hislop no chance. It was his sixth goal for the U.S. and all of them have come in qualifying matches.

The visitors enjoyed the run of play for much of the opening half and dominated the midfield exchanges but Trinidad got on top later in the match as the U.S. wilted in humid conditions.

Keller demonstrated why he remains the U.S. number one as he was called on several times to deny Trinidad.

In the sixth minute, Keller went high to his right to thwart a header from Dwight Yorke, making his first appearance in a qualifier since 2001. Yorke was again foiled by Keller in the 34th minute when he deflected a low effort by the striker.

After 53 minutes Leslie Fitzpatrick was put through on his own only for Keller to make a brilliant stop as he deflected the ball and Yorke could only fire the loose ball over the bar.

A minute later the U.S. went on the attack as Lewis took a short pass from Landon Donovan before drilling a 25-metre shot towards the top right corner.

Trinidad nearly pulled one back in the 73rd minute when substitute Cornell Glenn forced Keller to turn the ball around the post before defender Eve turned their pressure into a goal when he tapped in a loose ball from five metres out.