U.S. "Guts-Out" Win Over Honduras

If you don't know by now, the United States Men's National Soccer Team defeated Honduras this past Saturday night in Chicago, 2-1, in a crucial world cup qualifier. The U.S. fell behind in the 5th minute, but evened things up just before halftime on a Landon Donovan penalty kick. Carlos Bocanegra broke the deadlock with just over 20 minutes remaining with a diving header. The win improves the U.S. to 3-1-1 (10 points) at the halfway mark and in second in the CONCACAF table, behind Costa Rica, 4-1-0 (12 points). No matter what happens in qualifiers this Wednesday, the U.S. will stay in 2nd. The Costa Rica/U.S. match originally scheduled for June, 10th, was moved up a week due to the U.S' participation in the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

The U.S. team pulled it together after giving up an early goal. The team stayed organized and pushed forward at the right times, so not to expose themselves defensively. Saturday night could have been disastorous, but I have to give credit to the team and Coach Bob Bradley for keeping things positive and focused.

I do, though, have concerns about two straight games and two early goals against. Though, this type of problem can be fixed. Hopefully, with the Confederations Cup coming up next week, the U.S. can work out these challenges on the field in their three group games.

Back to the game. The U.S. stepped up to the challenge this weekend and grabbed the 3 points they needed. I was pleased with the play of Jonathan Bornstein and Jonathan Spector at the oustide backs. Sure, there were times they were a bit "shakey" but they held their own and knew when to push up in the attack.

I have new found respect for Ricardo Clark. He shut down Amado Guevara and played well and saved the U.S. with two goal line clearances. Benny Feilhaber subbed in for the second half and after a slow start, made some good decisions leading the U.S. out of the midfield. Howard, Bocanegra and Onyewu were solid as always. Finally, Jay DeMerit, coming in for an injured Bocanegra, fit right in with Onyewu and locked down the defensive end.

It wasn't pretty, but the U.S. won the game and that is all that really matters. Now, with the Confederations Cup next week, the U.S. will have 3 matches to gain experience, team chemistry and hopefully, some new energy to push themselves through the next few qualifiers to get them back to South Africa for next summer's World Cup.

In other World Cup Qualifying action, Korea Republic (South Korea), Australia and the Netherlands became the first teams to clinch berths in next summer's grand event. In CONCACAF, Costa Rica defeated Trinidad on the road, 3-2. The big shocker was El Salvador's 2-1 home win over Mexico - and now looking at this result, the U.S' tie in El Salvador in round 2 doesn't look so bad now. On Wednesday, Mexico hosts Trinidad and Honduras hosts El Salvador.

In Africa, Morocco and Cameroon drew 0-0 and both sides only have the one point after two matches. Gabon leads the group with two wins and 6 points. Another surprise was Algeria defeated Egypt 3-1.

In South America, Brazil took the top spot in the standings with a 4-0 win over Uruguay. Argentina defeated Colombia, 1-0.

This Wednesday is another FIFA match day and there will be plenty of action to follow.