As the USMNT prepare to face Honduras in a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier this afternoon, we take a quick look at the history of these two sides. The two CONCACAF countries have played each other 24 times, with USA holding a better record (16-4-4). In World Cup qualifiers, USMNT have a 6-2-1 record against Honduras, and a 3-1-1 record away from home.
But despite being the inferior side on paper, Los Catrachos are capable of doing the unexpected on the pitch – they humiliated USMNT 3-2 in 2001 at the RFK Stadium in Washington D.C, a performance that ended the hosts’ 15-year unbeaten record at home in the qualifiers.
Another recent defeat for the Yanks in the hands of their CONCACAF neighbors was in 2013 when Juan Carlos and Jerry Bengston engineered a 2-1 comeback win in the opening match of the 2014 Hex.
And now, the two sides meet once again with Bruce Arena’s men having fresh memories of their 2-0 defeat at home to Costa Rica last Friday. The MNT cannot afford to slip any further as it would dent their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia.
But thanks to the availability of the likes of Clint Dempsey, Jordan Morris, Chris Wondolowski and Bobby Wood in attack, the visitors shouldn’t have a problem finding the back of the net on foreign soil, regardless of the anticipated hostile reception.
The hosts, on the other hand, boast of a long list of players who ply their trades in the MLS, a chance that gives them the much-needed experience and confidence to face Arena’s side. That said and done, all eyes will be on the young but lethal striking duo of Alberth Elis (21) and Romell (26) Quito, who both play for Houston Dynamo in the MLS. The former was on target against Trinidad & Tobago last Friday when Honduras won 2-1.
Report By ANDREW AMOTH for CHANNEL A TV
