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U.S. SOCCER LAUNCHES 2018 SPRING MEN'S COLLEGE PROGRAM

08/02/2018, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 25726434

 

U.S. Soccer

U.S. SOCCER LAUNCHES 2018 SPRING MEN'S COLLEGE PROGRAM

Clemson, Duke, Georgetown, North Carolina, Virginia and Wake Forest 
to Participate in College Development Initiative from March 3 - April 21;
Program Will Further Player Development Opportunities for Players Age 18 and Above 

CHICAGO (Feb. 07, 2018) - As part of its ongoing effort to develop world class players, coaches, and referees, U.S. Soccer is launching the Spring College Program in collaboration with six Division I Men's Soccer programs. Starting in March, the six college programs will face one another over the course of seven weeks, culminating with an event at Wake Forest University on April 21.

The six Division I Men's Soccer programs participating are: Clemson, Duke, Georgetown, North Carolina, Virginia and Wake Forest.

The collaborative initiative between U.S. Soccer and the college soccer programs will provide standards-based competition and further player development opportunities for players above the age of 17. The games also provide an additional opportunity for U.S. Soccer Scouts to identify potential U.S. Olympic and National Team players and expand the player pool.

"We are excited about this program and the role it will play in helping college soccer become more connected to the player development pathway," U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director and U-20 Men's National Team head coach Tab Ramos said. "It provides us with additional opportunities to identify more players for Youth National Teams and for the Olympic Team in an environment that mirrors the international game."

Aligned with U.S. Soccer's technical framework of best practices for elite youth development, the program will see international standards implemented during each of the 15 games played. The rules for each game played will function similarly to U.S. Soccer Development Academy standards. Games will be played with traditional time keeping, a maximum game day roster of 18 players and no re-entry.

During the first six weeks, each college will host two games on their respective campus before closing out the program with a three-match event that features all six teams hosted at Wake Forest University. Upon the conclusion of the round-robin schedule, the team with the most points will be crowned champion.

In addition, the coaching staff of each institution will participate in a coaching education assignment and workshop, complete game analysis and video review, and receive data analysis of physical performance from U.S. Soccer. Each college program is helping to drive change in the development of Zone 3 (Age 18+) players.  

"The opportunity for us to work directly with college programs will benefit players, coaches and referees at critical stages of their development," U.S. Soccer Development Academy Director Jared Micklos said. "This program will utilize standards to impact the college soccer game as we collectively work to evolve the sport at all ages and levels in our country."

2018 U.S. Soccer Spring College Program Game Schedule

Date

Home

Away

March 4

North Carolina

Clemson

March 17

Virginia

Georgetown

Clemson

Wake Forest

March 24

Georgetown

North Carolina

Duke

Virginia

March 29

Wake Forest

Duke

April 7

North Carolina

Virginia

Clemson

Duke

April 8

Georgetown

Wake Forest

April 14

Duke

Georgetown

Virginia

Clemson

Wake Forest

North Carolina

April 21

Wake Forest

Hosted Event

Duke

North Carolina

Georgetown

Clemson

Wake Forest

Virginia


"Clemson Men's Soccer is very excited to be partnering with U.S. Soccer and other top Division I programs to bring a new phase of development to our players this spring. The exposure for our players and the level of competition amongst the participants will certainly bring new meaning to the non-traditional component of our schedule. More importantly it will be an opportunity for our players to develop under the watchful eye of U.S. Soccer staff, scouts and coaches under guidelines that reflect the way the game is played around the world."
-Mike Noonan (Head Coach, Clemson University) 

"Wake Forest is extremely thankful for the invitation to work with U.S. Soccer.  We feel this is a tremendous opportunity to build a working relationship with U.S. Soccer and its staff. To compete in a competitive Spring format against some of the very best teams in the country using FIFA rules, I believe this will help with the individual and collective development of our program."
-Bobby Muuss (Head Coach, Wake Forest University)

"We are very excited to be a part of this initiative. It marks a true collaboration between college soccer and U.S. Soccer that will be mutually beneficial and is an example of two different soccer bodies working together to advance the game forward in our country."
-Brian Wiese (Head Coach, Georgetown University)

"We are delighted to be involved in this exciting program from day one and look forward to a great spring schedule playing the highest quality competition. This will go a long way in developing the relationship between the college game and U.S. Soccer and more importantly, will give our players an opportunity to play multiple games in front of Men's National Team coaches and scouts."
-John Kerr (Head Coach, Duke University)

We are very excited to be a part of U.S. Soccer's Spring College Program. I believe the program will be a fantastic opportunity to further develop the relationship between U.S. Soccer and college soccer. College soccer serves an important role in the development of soccer players in the United States and I am looking forward to the integration of meaningful FIFA standards into the college game.
-George Gelnovatch (Head Coach, University of Virginia)

"We believe this is a positive step to build a closer connection with U.S. Soccer and the college game. A cooperative relationship is exciting and can only help to develop and improve our beautiful game." 
-Carlos Somoano (Head Coach, University of North Carolina)

U.S. Soccer will open applications at the conclusion of the 2018 Spring Men's College Program with details for college programs interested in participating in the 2019 Spring Men's College Program.

For questions about the 2018 Spring Men's College Program, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy can be reached by phone at 312-528-7041 or by email at academy@ussoccer.org.

- ussoccer.com -
U.S. Soccer

U.S. SOCCER LAUNCHES 2018 SPRING MEN'S COLLEGE PROGRAM

Clemson, Duke, Georgetown, North Carolina, Virginia and Wake Forest 
to Participate in College Development Initiative from March 3 - April 21;
Program Will Further Player Development Opportunities for Players Age 18 and Above 

CHICAGO (Feb. 07, 2018) - As part of its ongoing effort to develop world class players, coaches, and referees, U.S. Soccer is launching the Spring College Program in collaboration with six Division I Men's Soccer programs. Starting in March, the six college programs will face one another over the course of seven weeks, culminating with an event at Wake Forest University on April 21.

The six Division I Men's Soccer programs participating are: Clemson, Duke, Georgetown, North Carolina, Virginia and Wake Forest.

The collaborative initiative between U.S. Soccer and the college soccer programs will provide standards-based competition and further player development opportunities for players above the age of 17. The games also provide an additional opportunity for U.S. Soccer Scouts to identify potential U.S. Olympic and National Team players and expand the player pool.

"We are excited about this program and the role it will play in helping college soccer become more connected to the player development pathway," U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director and U-20 Men's National Team head coach Tab Ramos said. "It provides us with additional opportunities to identify more players for Youth National Teams and for the Olympic Team in an environment that mirrors the international game."

Aligned with U.S. Soccer's technical framework of best practices for elite youth development, the program will see international standards implemented during each of the 15 games played. The rules for each game played will function similarly to U.S. Soccer Development Academy standards. Games will be played with traditional time keeping, a maximum game day roster of 18 players and no re-entry.

During the first six weeks, each college will host two games on their respective campus before closing out the program with a three-match event that features all six teams hosted at Wake Forest University. Upon the conclusion of the round-robin schedule, the team with the most points will be crowned champion.

In addition, the coaching staff of each institution will participate in a coaching education assignment and workshop, complete game analysis and video review, and receive data analysis of physical performance from U.S. Soccer. Each college program is helping to drive change in the development of Zone 3 (Age 18+) players.  

"The opportunity for us to work directly with college programs will benefit players, coaches and referees at critical stages of their development," U.S. Soccer Development Academy Director Jared Micklos said. "This program will utilize standards to impact the college soccer game as we collectively work to evolve the sport at all ages and levels in our country."

2018 U.S. Soccer Spring College Program Game Schedule

Date

Home

Away

March 4

North Carolina

Clemson

March 17

Virginia

Georgetown

Clemson

Wake Forest

March 24

Georgetown

North Carolina

Duke

Virginia

March 29

Wake Forest

Duke

April 7

North Carolina

Virginia

Clemson

Duke

April 8

Georgetown

Wake Forest

April 14

Duke

Georgetown

Virginia

Clemson

Wake Forest

North Carolina

April 21

Wake Forest

Hosted Event

Duke

North Carolina

Georgetown

Clemson

Wake Forest

Virginia


"Clemson Men's Soccer is very excited to be partnering with U.S. Soccer and other top Division I programs to bring a new phase of development to our players this spring. The exposure for our players and the level of competition amongst the participants will certainly bring new meaning to the non-traditional component of our schedule. More importantly it will be an opportunity for our players to develop under the watchful eye of U.S. Soccer staff, scouts and coaches under guidelines that reflect the way the game is played around the world."
-Mike Noonan (Head Coach, Clemson University) 

"Wake Forest is extremely thankful for the invitation to work with U.S. Soccer.  We feel this is a tremendous opportunity to build a working relationship with U.S. Soccer and its staff. To compete in a competitive Spring format against some of the very best teams in the country using FIFA rules, I believe this will help with the individual and collective development of our program."
-Bobby Muuss (Head Coach, Wake Forest University)

"We are very excited to be a part of this initiative. It marks a true collaboration between college soccer and U.S. Soccer that will be mutually beneficial and is an example of two different soccer bodies working together to advance the game forward in our country."
-Brian Wiese (Head Coach, Georgetown University)

"We are delighted to be involved in this exciting program from day one and look forward to a great spring schedule playing the highest quality competition. This will go a long way in developing the relationship between the college game and U.S. Soccer and more importantly, will give our players an opportunity to play multiple games in front of Men's National Team coaches and scouts."
-John Kerr (Head Coach, Duke University)

We are very excited to be a part of U.S. Soccer's Spring College Program. I believe the program will be a fantastic opportunity to further develop the relationship between U.S. Soccer and college soccer. College soccer serves an important role in the development of soccer players in the United States and I am looking forward to the integration of meaningful FIFA standards into the college game.
-George Gelnovatch (Head Coach, University of Virginia)

"We believe this is a positive step to build a closer connection with U.S. Soccer and the college game. A cooperative relationship is exciting and can only help to develop and improve our beautiful game." 
-Carlos Somoano (Head Coach, University of North Carolina)

U.S. Soccer will open applications at the conclusion of the 2018 Spring Men's College Program with details for college programs interested in participating in the 2019 Spring Men's College Program.

For questions about the 2018 Spring Men's College Program, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy can be reached by phone at 312-528-7041 or by email at academy@ussoccer.org.

- ussoccer.com -
U.S. U-20 WNT FALLS TO MEXICO IN PENALTY KICKS IN FINAL OF 2018 CONCACAF WOMEN'S U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP

U.S. U-20 WNT FALLS TO MEXICO IN PENALTY KICKS IN FINAL OF 2018 CONCACAF WOMEN'S U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP

29/01/2018, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 25624649

U.S. Soccer

U.S. U-20 WNT FALLS TO MEXICO IN PENALTY KICKS IN FINAL 
OF 2018 CONCACAF WOMEN'S U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP

Tierna Davidson Scores for USA; Mexico Wins First CONCACAF U-20 Title;
Preparations Begin for 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France

COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago (Jan. 28, 2018) - The U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team battled Mexico to a 1-1 tie through 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime in the title game of the 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship before succumbing in penalty kicks by a 4-2 score.

It was the third meeting between the USA and Mexico in the championship game of this tournament and the first time Mexico has come out on top.

Both teams had already qualified for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup by winning their semifinal matches on Friday via penalty kick shootouts. Haiti pulled off a huge result in the Third-Place match to claim CONCACAF's third and final berth to France, ending Canada's World Cup dreams with a 1-0 victory.

The USA out-shot Mexico 21-17, had more possession and more corner kicks, but overall, the match was a fairly-even affair with both teams understandably showing tired legs in the latter stages of regulation and overtime after playing five games in 10 and 11 days, respectively.

Mexico's goal came against the run of play in the 33rd minute on a long free kick that was headed down and into the penalty area to Dayana Cázares who made a nice individual dribble before finishing with equal quality.

Tierna Davidson, who joined the USA mid-tournament after earning her first senior team cap on January 21 against Denmark, came off the bench at halftime and almost immediately equalized, finishing a double-header sequence off a corner kick in the 49th minute for her first international goal at the U-20 level.

Mexico made a push in final stages of regulation time, and earned a bushel of corner kicks, but all were well-defended by the USA. Amanda McGlynn was very good in goal again for the Americans, punching away several dangerous crosses throughout the match.

In the shootout, the USA, going second, got off to a slow start as Brianna Pinto saw her shot saved by Mexico goalkeeper Emily Alvarado after Katty Martinez had converted her country's first kick. Isabel Rodriguez finished the USA's second shot, and Davidson made the fourth, but Alvarado saved the USA's third shot from Kiara Pickett.

McGlynn could only stop one Mexico penalty and Belén Cruz went right up the middle on Mexico's fifth and final kick to give her country the regional championship.

Up Next: Up next for the USA will be a trip to France at the end of February for a training camp and several matches. The trip will serve as an excellent test run for the U-20 Women's World Cup being staged later in the fall.
Social: Twitter (@ussoccer_ynt), Instagram (@ussoccer_ynt)

Goal Scoring Rundown:

MEX - Dayana Cázares (Katty Martínez), 33rd minute: A long free kick from 10 yards behind the midline near the left sideline was headed forward by Martínez and skipped through to Cázares, who did well to beat a defender to the right and then slid to smash her shot just inside the right post from 13 yards out. USA 0, MEX 1

USA - Tierna Davidson (Civana Kuhlmann), 49th minute: The USA started the second half well and it didn't take long to equalize off a corner kick from the right side. Isabel Rodriguez bent in a cross that was waved at by Mexican goalkeeper Emily Alvarado. The ball bounced and Kuhlmann, who was a few yards outside the far post, did a fantastic job of keeping it on the field, heading into the middle where Davidson headed home from three yards out and just inside the left post. USA 1, MEX 1 [WATCH] FINAL

Key Saves and Defensive Stops:

MEX - Ashley Soto, 11th minute: Civana Kuhlmann worked her way free inside the penalty area on the right side and fired a left-footed shot that was saved by Mexico goalkeeper Emily Alvarado, but she spilled it in front of the goal. Brianna Pinto was first to the rebound and cut it away from the scrambling Alvarado. The ball rolled a short distance to Taryn Torres who fired on goal, but Soto recovered inside the goal mouth and block the ball away for a corner kick with the outside of her right shin.

MEX - Emily Alvarado, 90+1st minute: Sophia Smith almost won the game for the USA in stoppage time, running under a long ball and bringing it down with chest deep inside the box. Her shot from point blank range near the left post was well-saved by Alvarado who held her ground to push the ball away for a corner kick.

Additional Notes:

  • Three U.S. players were named to the Best XI for the tournament: defender Kiara Pickett and midfielders Jaelin Howell and Savannah DeMelo.
  • S. head coach Jitka Klimkova made five changes from the players who started the semifinal, giving nods to defenders Isabel Rodriguez, Naomi Girma and Karina Rodriguez (right back Kiara Picket was the only player on the back line who started both games), midfielder Brianna Pinto, and forward Taryn Torres.
  • The USA has been in the final of this tournament eight consecutive times. There were no semifinals or final staged in the first tournament in 2002 as the group winners qualified for the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Cup.
  • Either the USA or Canada has won the previous seven tournaments staged by CONCACAF at this age level with the USA winning five and Canada two.
  • The USA has qualified for this age group's FIFA tournament in all nine tournaments that have been contested. The first two FIFA tournaments were staged as Under-19 events before moving to U-20s in 2006.
  • Both goalkeepers -- Amanda McGlynn for the USA and Emily Alvarado for Mexico - served as captains for their teams. Alvarado won the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper in the tournament.
  • The USA's eight goals in the tournament came from seven different players with Jaelin Howell the top scorer with two goals.
  • Klimkova made all three allowed substitutes in the second half, sending on Tierna Davidson for Karina Rodriguez and Ashley Sanchez for Torres at halftime; and Abigail Kim for Civana Kuhlmann in the 72nd minute.
  • Jordyn Huitema of Canada won the Golden Boot as the top scorer with five goals.
  • Miriam García of Mexico won the Golden Ball as the top player in the tournament.

- U.S. U-20 Women's National Team Match Report -

Match: U.S. U-20 Women's National Team vs. Mexico U-20 WNT
Date: January 28, 2018
Competition: CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship - Final
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium; Couva, Trinidad
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
Attendance: 275
Weather: 82 degrees; rainy, wet partly cloudy

Scoring Summary:    1          2          1OT      2OT      F          PK
USA                             0          1            0          0          1          2          
MEX                            1          0            0          0          1          4                                 

MEX - Dáyana Cazares (Katty Martínez)             33rd minute
USA - Tierna Davidson (Civana Kuhlmann)         49                    

Penalty Summary:
USA - Pinto (save), I. Rodriguez (goal), Pickett (save), Davidson (goal)
MEX - Martínez (goal), Rodríguez (save), López (goal), Villegas (goal), Cruz (goal)  

Lineups:
USA: 12-Amanda McGlynn (capt.); 17-Kiara Pickett, 5-Isabel Rodríguez, 4-Naomi Girma, 14-Karina Rodríguez (19-Tierna Davidson, 46); 9-Savannah DeMelo, 18-Jaelin Howell, 8-Brianna Pinto; 3-Sophia Smith, 20-Civana Kuhlmann (11-Abigail Kim, 72), 7-Taryn Torres (2-Ashley Sánchez, 46)
Subs not used: 1-Laurel Ivory, 6-Zoe Morse, 10-Samantha Coffey, 13-Tara McKeown, 15-Viviana Villacorta, 16-Kelsey Turnbow
Head coach: Jitka Klimkova

MEX: 1-Emily Alvarado; 2-Ashley Soto, 3-Miriam García, 4-Kim Rodríguez, 5-Jimena López; 7-Dayana Cázares (19-Gabriela Juárez, 72), 6-Andrea Hernández (13-Mia Villegas, 57), 16-Maricarmen Reyes, 11-Jacqueline Ovalle 10-Katty Martínez, 9-Daniela Espinosa (17-Belén Cruz, 89)
Subs not used: 8-Alexia Delgado, 12-Miriam Aguirre, 14-Natalia Villarreal, 15-Samara Alcalá, 18-Norma Palafox, 20-Montserrat Hernández
Head coach: Christopher Cuellar

Stats Summary: USA / MEX
Shots: 21 / 17
Shots on Goal: 9 / 6
Saves: 5 / 8
Corner Kicks: 12 / 10
Fouls: 20 / 14
Offside: 7 / 2

Misconduct Summary:
MEX - Miriam García (caution)                     80th minute
USA - Jaelin Howell (caution)                      97

Officials: 
Referee: Carol-Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chantel Boudreau (CAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing (JAM)
4th Official: Crystal Sobers (TRI)

ussoccer.com Woman of the Match: Tierna Davidson

-ussoccer.com-
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U.S. Soccer Board of Directors Grants Professional League Sanctions for 2018

U.S. Soccer Board of Directors Grants Professional League Sanctions for 2018

17/01/2018, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 25499392

 

U.S. Soccer

U.S. SOCCER BOARD OF DIRECTORS SANCTIONS MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER AND 
NATIONAL WOMEN'S SOCCER LEAGUE AS DIVISION I FOR 2018, 
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE AS DIVISION II

CHICAGO (Jan. 16, 2018) - The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors granted Professional League sanctioning to Major League Soccer (MLS), National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United Soccer League (USL) for 2018. MLS and NWSL as Division I men's and women's professional leagues, respectively. USL was sanctioned as a Division II men's professional league.

The sanctioning was approved this past weekend during a U.S. Soccer Board of Directors meeting in New York.

Sanctioning allows NWSL and USL to operate a Division I and II league, respectively, during the 2018 season and includes a two-year pathway to full compliance with the Professional League Standards. In particular, USL has demonstrated substantial progress toward reaching full compliance since being granted provisional Division II sanctioning in 2017.

Both NWSL and USL will continue to work with the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors ahead of the annual application deadline to demonstrate progress toward full compliance before their respective 2020 season. The leagues must reapply for sanctioning annually.

-ussoccer.com-
U.S. Soccer

U.S. SOCCER BOARD OF DIRECTORS SANCTIONS MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER AND 
NATIONAL WOMEN'S SOCCER LEAGUE AS DIVISION I FOR 2018, 
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE AS DIVISION II

CHICAGO (Jan. 16, 2018) - The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors granted Professional League sanctioning to Major League Soccer (MLS), National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United Soccer League (USL) for 2018. MLS and NWSL as Division I men's and women's professional leagues, respectively. USL was sanctioned as a Division II men's professional league.

The sanctioning was approved this past weekend during a U.S. Soccer Board of Directors meeting in New York.

Sanctioning allows NWSL and USL to operate a Division I and II league, respectively, during the 2018 season and includes a two-year pathway to full compliance with the Professional League Standards. In particular, USL has demonstrated substantial progress toward reaching full compliance since being granted provisional Division II sanctioning in 2017.

Both NWSL and USL will continue to work with the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors ahead of the annual application deadline to demonstrate progress toward full compliance before their respective 2020 season. The leagues must reapply for sanctioning annually.

-ussoccer.com-
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JULIE ERTZ NAMED 2017 U.S. SOCCER FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JULIE ERTZ NAMED 2017 U.S. SOCCER FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

21/12/2017, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 25243343

 

U.S. Soccer

JULIE ERTZ NAMED 2017 U.S. SOCCER FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Sophia Smith Named 2017 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year

CHICAGO (Dec. 20, 2017) - Julie Ertz has been voted the 2017 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, while Sophia Smith earned Young Female Player of the Year honors.

Ertz is the third player to be named both the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year and Young Female Player of the Year. She was the Young Female Player of the Year in 2012 when she captained the USA to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title and won the Bronze Ball as the third-best player in the tournament. Lauren Holiday (2014 & 2007) and Tobin Heath (2016 & 2009) are the other two, making the five years between the awards for Ertz the shortest time for any player.

Ertz, a breakout star at center back for the USA at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, started playing defensive midfielder during the Tournament of Nations last summer and made a huge impact at the position during the final eight games of the year, a stretch in which the USA went 7-0-1.

Her impact on both sides of the ball for club and country was impressive as she combined her world-class ball-winning skills with an ability to set the attack in midfield while proving consistently dangerous in the penalty area. Ertz garnered 51.6% of the votes. Megan Rapinoe finished second.

Ertz came on as a second-half substitute against Brazil on July 30 at the Tournament of Nations in the 57th minute and would go on to score the dramatic game-winner in the 89th minute of the epic 4-3 victory. She then played all but 52 minutes through the team's final seven games at defensive midfielder, dominating the center of the field while scoring five more goals, including a brace against New Zealand, to finish second on the team in scoring. Ertz's six total goals in 2017 almost equaled her overall total (8) from her previous four years on the WNT.

Playing almost exclusively as a defensive midfielder, Ertz played all but 48 minutes across 22 of the Chicago Red Stars' 24 regular season matches - as well as in the NWSL semifinal vs. the NC Courage - while scoring four goals and adding three assists. She was named to the NWSL Second XI.

"I want to give a big thanks to everyone who voted," Ertz said. "This was a really unique year for me with a lot of different challenges, but it means so much to have the support of my husband, my family, my coaches and my teammates. I'm honored and thankful from the bottom of my heart and I'm really looking forward to next year and as we have some big goals to accomplish."

Smith, a high school senior who hails from Windsor, Colorado, plays her club soccer for the Real Colorado U-18/19 Development Academy. She has scored 16 goals for her club so far this season.

The 17-year-old Smith had the rare distinction of scoring for three different U.S. National Teams this year. In February, she scored for the U-18 WNT against England and Norway. For the U-20 WNT, she scored against Norway (twice), Germany (twice), France, Japan and England (twice). For the U-23 WNT, she scored against Norway as well as the game-winner against the Portland Thorns.

A member of the 2016 Under-17 Women's World Cup Team, the speedy and elusive forward has become a key player for the U-20 WNT during the first year of its two-year cycle as she helps the squad work towards the goal of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She tied for the team-lead in goals this year with eight and has played in 19 total international matches this year - the most of any player in any age group, including the senior WNT - over four Youth National Teams. She earned three caps for the U-23s, her first 11 for the U-20s, two for the U-19s, and three for the U-18s. She also earned valuable experience this year during her first call-up to the full U.S. Women's National Team, training with the senior side during April friendlies against Russia, but did not earn cap.

"I'm very honored and humbled to be receiving this award and am sincerely thankful for all the opportunities that U.S. Soccer has provided to me," Smith said. "Seeing all the players that have won this award before just gives me even more motivation to keep getting better and working even harder to continue pursuing my soccer dreams. I'm very blessed to have the opportunity to play with such talented players, who are also great friends and people in general, and I owe a lot to my National Team and Real Colorado coaches. We all push each other to be better every day."

Smith garnered 48.5% of the vote. Defender Tierna Davidson, a Stanford sophomore who helped lead the Cardinal to the NCAA championship this fall, finished second.

A new voting process for these awards was put into place in 2014. Votes are collected from respective National Team coaches, National Team players who have earned a cap in 2017, American soccer league (MLS, NASL and NWSL) head coaches, select media members, former players and administrators.

Players cannot win the Young Male or Young Female award more than once.

The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year has been awarded since 1985, when midfielder Sharon Remer earned the first Female Athlete of the Year honor. The Young Female Player of the Year honor was first awarded in 1998, with Cindy Parlow earning the honor.

- ussoccer.com -
U.S. Soccer

JULIE ERTZ NAMED 2017 U.S. SOCCER FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Sophia Smith Named 2017 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year

CHICAGO (Dec. 20, 2017) - Julie Ertz has been voted the 2017 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, while Sophia Smith earned Young Female Player of the Year honors.

Ertz is the third player to be named both the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year and Young Female Player of the Year. She was the Young Female Player of the Year in 2012 when she captained the USA to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title and won the Bronze Ball as the third-best player in the tournament. Lauren Holiday (2014 & 2007) and Tobin Heath (2016 & 2009) are the other two, making the five years between the awards for Ertz the shortest time for any player.

Ertz, a breakout star at center back for the USA at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, started playing defensive midfielder during the Tournament of Nations last summer and made a huge impact at the position during the final eight games of the year, a stretch in which the USA went 7-0-1.

Her impact on both sides of the ball for club and country was impressive as she combined her world-class ball-winning skills with an ability to set the attack in midfield while proving consistently dangerous in the penalty area. Ertz garnered 51.6% of the votes. Megan Rapinoe finished second.

Ertz came on as a second-half substitute against Brazil on July 30 at the Tournament of Nations in the 57th minute and would go on to score the dramatic game-winner in the 89th minute of the epic 4-3 victory. She then played all but 52 minutes through the team's final seven games at defensive midfielder, dominating the center of the field while scoring five more goals, including a brace against New Zealand, to finish second on the team in scoring. Ertz's six total goals in 2017 almost equaled her overall total (8) from her previous four years on the WNT.

Playing almost exclusively as a defensive midfielder, Ertz played all but 48 minutes across 22 of the Chicago Red Stars' 24 regular season matches - as well as in the NWSL semifinal vs. the NC Courage - while scoring four goals and adding three assists. She was named to the NWSL Second XI.

"I want to give a big thanks to everyone who voted," Ertz said. "This was a really unique year for me with a lot of different challenges, but it means so much to have the support of my husband, my family, my coaches and my teammates. I'm honored and thankful from the bottom of my heart and I'm really looking forward to next year and as we have some big goals to accomplish."

Smith, a high school senior who hails from Windsor, Colorado, plays her club soccer for the Real Colorado U-18/19 Development Academy. She has scored 16 goals for her club so far this season.

The 17-year-old Smith had the rare distinction of scoring for three different U.S. National Teams this year. In February, she scored for the U-18 WNT against England and Norway. For the U-20 WNT, she scored against Norway (twice), Germany (twice), France, Japan and England (twice). For the U-23 WNT, she scored against Norway as well as the game-winner against the Portland Thorns.

A member of the 2016 Under-17 Women's World Cup Team, the speedy and elusive forward has become a key player for the U-20 WNT during the first year of its two-year cycle as she helps the squad work towards the goal of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She tied for the team-lead in goals this year with eight and has played in 19 total international matches this year - the most of any player in any age group, including the senior WNT - over four Youth National Teams. She earned three caps for the U-23s, her first 11 for the U-20s, two for the U-19s, and three for the U-18s. She also earned valuable experience this year during her first call-up to the full U.S. Women's National Team, training with the senior side during April friendlies against Russia, but did not earn cap.

"I'm very honored and humbled to be receiving this award and am sincerely thankful for all the opportunities that U.S. Soccer has provided to me," Smith said. "Seeing all the players that have won this award before just gives me even more motivation to keep getting better and working even harder to continue pursuing my soccer dreams. I'm very blessed to have the opportunity to play with such talented players, who are also great friends and people in general, and I owe a lot to my National Team and Real Colorado coaches. We all push each other to be better every day."

Smith garnered 48.5% of the vote. Defender Tierna Davidson, a Stanford sophomore who helped lead the Cardinal to the NCAA championship this fall, finished second.

A new voting process for these awards was put into place in 2014. Votes are collected from respective National Team coaches, National Team players who have earned a cap in 2017, American soccer league (MLS, NASL and NWSL) head coaches, select media members, former players and administrators.

Players cannot win the Young Male or Young Female award more than once.

The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year has been awarded since 1985, when midfielder Sharon Remer earned the first Female Athlete of the Year honor. The Young Female Player of the Year honor was first awarded in 1998, with Cindy Parlow earning the honor.

- ussoccer.com -
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USA MISSES OUT ON 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP AFTER LOSING FINAL WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2-1 TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

USA MISSES OUT ON 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP AFTER LOSING FINAL WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2-1 TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

11/10/2017, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 24439783

 

U.S. Soccer

USA MISSES OUT ON 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP AFTER LOSING 
FINAL WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2-1 TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Second Half Pulisic Goal Gives MNT Chance After Two-Goal Deficit

COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago (Oct. 10, 2017) - With an unlikely combination of results in the final Matchday of CONCACAF Qualifying, the U.S. Men's National Team was eliminated from contention for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

After falling 2-1 to Trinidad & Tobago, the doomsday combination of a Honduras victory against Mexico (3-2) and a Panama win over Costa Rica (2-1) dropped the U.S. from third to fifth place in the Hexagonal. Panama qualified directly with its third place finish, while Honduras will face off against Australia in the intercontinental playoff.

A pair of improbable goals from the Socca Warriors in the first half gave the hosts a 2-0 lead and put the USA in the difficult position of needing to break down an opponent that kept 10 men behind the ball in the second half.

Christian Pulisic cut the deficit in half just minutes into the second stanza when his strike from the top of the box in the 47th minute found the back of the net. The U.S. continued to push forward and created numerous quality chances, but Trinidad goalkeeper Adrian Fonette was up to the task as he pulled off impressive saves to keep the lead.

Pulisic, Omar Gonzalez, Bobby Wood, and Darlington Nagbe all saw chances denied at the last moment by Fonette, while half-time substitute Clint Dempsey saw one of his two great chances hit the post flush and bounce out as time wound down. 

Social: Twitter (@ussoccer; @ussoccer_esp); Facebook; Instagram; Snapchat (ussoccer_mnt) 

Goal Scoring Rundown: 
TRI - Omar Gonzalez (own goal), 17th minute: A Trinidad & Tobago attack down the USA's left flank resulted in a fluke own goal when Alvin Jones centered a ball for Shahdon Winchester that was beyond his reach but ricocheted off Omar Gonzalez's outstretched foot, looping into the top right corner of U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard's net for the shock lead. 
USA 0, TRI 1 [WATCH]

TRI - Alvin Jones (Nathan Lewis), 36th minute: Receiving a pass from Nathan Lewis, Jones took a touch before unleashing a speculative drive nearly 30 yards out from goal. The shot from the right side of the field swerved wildly away from the center of goal, finding the left side netting. USA 0, TRI 2 [WATCH] 

USA - Christian Pulisic (Darlington Nagbe), 47th minute: Nagbe won the ball just outside the Socca Warriors' box and played a quick pass to Pulisic, whose first touch set him up to rip a shot through traffic from just outside the top of the penalty arc across the face of goal into the top left corner. USA 1, TRI 2 [WATCH] FINAL

Key Saves and Defensive Stops: 
USA - Tim Howard, 44th minute: Having found his luck with one long-distance strike already, Jones sent a free kick from 40 yards out near the right sideline blistering toward the U.S. goal. The shot dipped just inside the six-yard box and took a nasty bounce off the choppy turf, nearly wrong-footing Howard, who held up just enough to get his shoulder to the ball and keep it out. His job not done, Howard tracked the rebound as it rolled to the left of the goal, knocking it away from Winchester with a well-executed sliding tackle.

USA - DeAndre Yedlin, 49th minute: A Trinidad attack up the right wing worked its way into the USA box but was snuffed out at the last minute by a sliding block from Yedlin to deny Nathan Lewis at the left post from four yards out with Howard down.

USA - DeAndre Yedlin, 58th minute: It was a great recovery by Yedlin to chase down Nathan Lewis and get in a last-minute sliding tackle to deny a point blank shot on goal after the speedy Socca Warriors' attacker had gotten free down the U.S. left flank.

USA - Tim Howard 63rd minute: As the game opened up with the U.S. pushing forward for an equalizer, the ball was lifted into the U.S. box for a shot from the middle of the penalty area that Howard got down well to kick away.

TRI - Adrian Foncette, 69th minute: A well-executed set play by the USA saw Michael Bradley play the ball toward the top of the Soca Warriors' box. Dempsey met the pass and sent a chipped shot toward the top left corner but Foncette just got a hand to tip it over the bar.

TRI - Adrian Foncette, 77th minute: As the U.S. carved out another attack, Foncette was finally beaten by a low effort from the top of the box by Dempsey. As it was headed for the lower left corner, a sprawling Foncette made a fingernail save down to his left to deflect the shot onto the post.

TRI - Adrian Foncette, 88th minute: With its last best chance to knot the score at 2-2, Bobby Wood evaded his marker and met Pulisic's cross to send a downward header bouncing toward the right side of goal, but Foncette got down quick to push the point blank header around the post.

NOTES:

 

  • The U.S. MNT moved to 18-3-4 all-time vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 13-2-3 in World Cup Qualifying and 4-2-2 in away qualifiers.
  • Altidore and Michael Bradley appeared in 15 of the team's 16 CONCACAF qualifiers for Russia 2018.
  • The Toronto FC pair also joined left back Jorge Villafaña in making their team-leading 14thappearances of 2017.
  • While he recorded five goals and four assists in qualifying matches this year, in one way or another, Christian Pulisic has been involved in 12 of the 17 goals scored by the U.S. during the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
  • In order to get the gameday roster down to 23 players, defender Michael Orozco and midfielder Juan Agudelo did not dress for tonight's match.

 

- U.S. Men's National Team Match Report -

 

Match: U.S. Men's National Team vs. Trinidad & Tobago 
Date: Oct. 10, 2017 
Competition: 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - Final Round 
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium; Couva, Trinidad
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET 
Attendance: TBC 
Weather: 80 degrees; mostly clear

 

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F 
USA                          0 1 1
TRI                           2 0 2

TRI - Own Goal (Omar Gonzalez)      17th minute
TRI - Alvin Jones (Nathan Lewis)       37
USA - Christian Pulisic                        47

Lineups: 
USA: 1-Tim Howard, 2-DeAndre Yedlin, 3-Omar Gonzalez, 5-Matt Besler, 15-Jorge Villafaña (23-Kellyn Acosta, 72), 4-Michael Bradley (capt.), 21-Paul Arriola (8-Clint Dempsey, 46), 10-Christian Pulisic, 6-Darlington Nagbe (16-Benny Feilhaber, 84), 9-Bobby Wood, 17-Jozy Altidore
Subs not used: 12-Brad Guzan, 22-Nick Rimando, 7-DaMarcus Beasley, 11-Alejandro Bedoya, 13-Dax McCarty, 14-Tim Ream, 18-Chris Wondolowski, 19-Graham Zusi, 20-Geoff Cameron
Head coach: Bruce Arena

 

TRI: 22-Adrian Foncette, 5-Daneil Cyrus, 7-Nathan Lewis, 8-Khaleem Hyland (capt.), 9-Shahdon Winchester (20-Trevin Caesar, 78), 13-Curtis Gonzales, 16-Levi Garcia (3-Joevin Jones, 72), 17-Alvin Jones, 18-Triston Hodge (4-Kevon Villaroel, 81), 19-Kevan George, 23-Leston Paul
Subs not used: 1-Glenroy Samuel, 21-Gregory Ranjitsingh, 2-Kareem Moses, 6-Josiah Trimmingham, 10-Karl Duane Muckette, 11-Neil Benjamin, 12-Kathon St. Hillaire, 14-Akeem Roach, 15-Jared London
Head coach: Dennis Lawrence

 

Stats Summary: USA / TRI 
Shots: 15 / 11 
Shots on Goal: 6 / 5 
Saves: 3 / 5 
Corner Kicks: 5 / 2 
Fouls: 18 / 11 
Offside: 3 / 3

 

Misconduct Summary: 
TRI - Triston Hodge (caution)               68th minute
USA - Omar Gonzalez (caution)           90+1
TRI - Joevin Jones (caution)                 90+3
USA - Matt Besler (caution)                  90+5

Officials: 
Referee: Juan Carlos Guerra (GUA)
Assistant Referee 1: Ronaldo de la Cruz (GUA)
Assistant Referee 2: David Moran (SLV)
Fourth Official: Fernando Guerrero (MEX)

 

Budweiser Man of the Match: TBD


-ussoccer.com-
U.S. Soccer

USA MISSES OUT ON 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP AFTER LOSING 
FINAL WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2-1 TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Second Half Pulisic Goal Gives MNT Chance After Two-Goal Deficit

COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago (Oct. 10, 2017) - With an unlikely combination of results in the final Matchday of CONCACAF Qualifying, the U.S. Men's National Team was eliminated from contention for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

After falling 2-1 to Trinidad & Tobago, the doomsday combination of a Honduras victory against Mexico (3-2) and a Panama win over Costa Rica (2-1) dropped the U.S. from third to fifth place in the Hexagonal. Panama qualified directly with its third place finish, while Honduras will face off against Australia in the intercontinental playoff.

A pair of improbable goals from the Socca Warriors in the first half gave the hosts a 2-0 lead and put the USA in the difficult position of needing to break down an opponent that kept 10 men behind the ball in the second half.

Christian Pulisic cut the deficit in half just minutes into the second stanza when his strike from the top of the box in the 47th minute found the back of the net. The U.S. continued to push forward and created numerous quality chances, but Trinidad goalkeeper Adrian Fonette was up to the task as he pulled off impressive saves to keep the lead.

Pulisic, Omar Gonzalez, Bobby Wood, and Darlington Nagbe all saw chances denied at the last moment by Fonette, while half-time substitute Clint Dempsey saw one of his two great chances hit the post flush and bounce out as time wound down. 

Social: Twitter (@ussoccer; @ussoccer_esp); Facebook; Instagram; Snapchat (ussoccer_mnt) 

Goal Scoring Rundown: 
TRI - Omar Gonzalez (own goal), 17th minute: A Trinidad & Tobago attack down the USA's left flank resulted in a fluke own goal when Alvin Jones centered a ball for Shahdon Winchester that was beyond his reach but ricocheted off Omar Gonzalez's outstretched foot, looping into the top right corner of U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard's net for the shock lead. 
USA 0, TRI 1 [WATCH]

TRI - Alvin Jones (Nathan Lewis), 36th minute: Receiving a pass from Nathan Lewis, Jones took a touch before unleashing a speculative drive nearly 30 yards out from goal. The shot from the right side of the field swerved wildly away from the center of goal, finding the left side netting. USA 0, TRI 2 [WATCH] 

USA - Christian Pulisic (Darlington Nagbe), 47th minute: Nagbe won the ball just outside the Socca Warriors' box and played a quick pass to Pulisic, whose first touch set him up to rip a shot through traffic from just outside the top of the penalty arc across the face of goal into the top left corner. USA 1, TRI 2 [WATCH] FINAL

Key Saves and Defensive Stops: 
USA - Tim Howard, 44th minute: Having found his luck with one long-distance strike already, Jones sent a free kick from 40 yards out near the right sideline blistering toward the U.S. goal. The shot dipped just inside the six-yard box and took a nasty bounce off the choppy turf, nearly wrong-footing Howard, who held up just enough to get his shoulder to the ball and keep it out. His job not done, Howard tracked the rebound as it rolled to the left of the goal, knocking it away from Winchester with a well-executed sliding tackle.

USA - DeAndre Yedlin, 49th minute: A Trinidad attack up the right wing worked its way into the USA box but was snuffed out at the last minute by a sliding block from Yedlin to deny Nathan Lewis at the left post from four yards out with Howard down.

USA - DeAndre Yedlin, 58th minute: It was a great recovery by Yedlin to chase down Nathan Lewis and get in a last-minute sliding tackle to deny a point blank shot on goal after the speedy Socca Warriors' attacker had gotten free down the U.S. left flank.

USA - Tim Howard 63rd minute: As the game opened up with the U.S. pushing forward for an equalizer, the ball was lifted into the U.S. box for a shot from the middle of the penalty area that Howard got down well to kick away.

TRI - Adrian Foncette, 69th minute: A well-executed set play by the USA saw Michael Bradley play the ball toward the top of the Soca Warriors' box. Dempsey met the pass and sent a chipped shot toward the top left corner but Foncette just got a hand to tip it over the bar.

TRI - Adrian Foncette, 77th minute: As the U.S. carved out another attack, Foncette was finally beaten by a low effort from the top of the box by Dempsey. As it was headed for the lower left corner, a sprawling Foncette made a fingernail save down to his left to deflect the shot onto the post.

TRI - Adrian Foncette, 88th minute: With its last best chance to knot the score at 2-2, Bobby Wood evaded his marker and met Pulisic's cross to send a downward header bouncing toward the right side of goal, but Foncette got down quick to push the point blank header around the post.

NOTES:

 

  • The U.S. MNT moved to 18-3-4 all-time vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 13-2-3 in World Cup Qualifying and 4-2-2 in away qualifiers.
  • Altidore and Michael Bradley appeared in 15 of the team's 16 CONCACAF qualifiers for Russia 2018.
  • The Toronto FC pair also joined left back Jorge Villafaña in making their team-leading 14thappearances of 2017.
  • While he recorded five goals and four assists in qualifying matches this year, in one way or another, Christian Pulisic has been involved in 12 of the 17 goals scored by the U.S. during the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
  • In order to get the gameday roster down to 23 players, defender Michael Orozco and midfielder Juan Agudelo did not dress for tonight's match.

 

- U.S. Men's National Team Match Report -

 

Match: U.S. Men's National Team vs. Trinidad & Tobago 
Date: Oct. 10, 2017 
Competition: 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - Final Round 
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium; Couva, Trinidad
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET 
Attendance: TBC 
Weather: 80 degrees; mostly clear

 

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F 
USA                          0 1 1
TRI                           2 0 2

TRI - Own Goal (Omar Gonzalez)      17th minute
TRI - Alvin Jones (Nathan Lewis)       37
USA - Christian Pulisic                        47

Lineups: 
USA: 1-Tim Howard, 2-DeAndre Yedlin, 3-Omar Gonzalez, 5-Matt Besler, 15-Jorge Villafaña (23-Kellyn Acosta, 72), 4-Michael Bradley (capt.), 21-Paul Arriola (8-Clint Dempsey, 46), 10-Christian Pulisic, 6-Darlington Nagbe (16-Benny Feilhaber, 84), 9-Bobby Wood, 17-Jozy Altidore
Subs not used: 12-Brad Guzan, 22-Nick Rimando, 7-DaMarcus Beasley, 11-Alejandro Bedoya, 13-Dax McCarty, 14-Tim Ream, 18-Chris Wondolowski, 19-Graham Zusi, 20-Geoff Cameron
Head coach: Bruce Arena

 

TRI: 22-Adrian Foncette, 5-Daneil Cyrus, 7-Nathan Lewis, 8-Khaleem Hyland (capt.), 9-Shahdon Winchester (20-Trevin Caesar, 78), 13-Curtis Gonzales, 16-Levi Garcia (3-Joevin Jones, 72), 17-Alvin Jones, 18-Triston Hodge (4-Kevon Villaroel, 81), 19-Kevan George, 23-Leston Paul
Subs not used: 1-Glenroy Samuel, 21-Gregory Ranjitsingh, 2-Kareem Moses, 6-Josiah Trimmingham, 10-Karl Duane Muckette, 11-Neil Benjamin, 12-Kathon St. Hillaire, 14-Akeem Roach, 15-Jared London
Head coach: Dennis Lawrence

 

Stats Summary: USA / TRI 
Shots: 15 / 11 
Shots on Goal: 6 / 5 
Saves: 3 / 5 
Corner Kicks: 5 / 2 
Fouls: 18 / 11 
Offside: 3 / 3

 

Misconduct Summary: 
TRI - Triston Hodge (caution)               68th minute
USA - Omar Gonzalez (caution)           90+1
TRI - Joevin Jones (caution)                 90+3
USA - Matt Besler (caution)                  90+5

Officials: 
Referee: Juan Carlos Guerra (GUA)
Assistant Referee 1: Ronaldo de la Cruz (GUA)
Assistant Referee 2: David Moran (SLV)
Fourth Official: Fernando Guerrero (MEX)

 

Budweiser Man of the Match: TBD


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U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM LOOKS TO TAKE GIANT STEP TOWARD 2018 WORLD CUP

U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM LOOKS TO TAKE GIANT STEP TOWARD 2018 WORLD CUP

06/10/2017, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 24383909

U.S. Soccer

U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM LOOKS TO TAKE GIANT STEP TOWARD 2018 WORLD CUP IN USA-PANAMA, PRESENTED BY VOLPI FOODS

MNT Hosts Panama on Matchday 9 of 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Round Qualifying; 
Watch USA-Panama on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Univision, UDN)

CHICAGO (Oct. 5, 2017) - The U.S. Men's National Team looks to take a big step towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup when it hosts Panama in Final Round Qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday, Oct. 6. Coverage of USA-Panama, presented by Volpi Foods, kicks off from Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Fla., at 7 p.m. ETon ESPN2, Univision and UDN. Follow the game live on Facebook and Twitter at @ussoccer and@ussoccer_esp.

U.S. MNT Roster by Position (Club; WCQ Caps/Goals):
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 15/0), Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids; 37/0), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake; 0/0)

DEFENDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo; 35/6), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City; 12/1), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG; 24/2), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca/MEX; 16/0), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana/MEX; 6/1), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 6/0), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna/MEX; 4/0), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United/ENG; (8/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City; 20/3)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; 5/0),Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution; 0/0), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 5/1), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union; 9/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 38/7), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City; 6/0), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers; 9/0), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 11/5)

FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC/CAN; 39/16), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC; 41/18), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Bobby Wood (Hamburg/GER; 12/4)

2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Final Round Standings

TEAM

GP

W

L

D

Pts .

GF

GA

GD

x-Mexico

8

5

0

3

18

11

3

+8

Costa Rica

8

4

1

3

15

12

5

+7

Panama

8

2

2

4

10

7

5

+2

USA

8

2

3

3

9

12

11

+1

Honduras

8

2

3

3

9

9

16

-7

Trinidad & Tobago

8

1

7

0

3

4

15

-11

x- Qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

 

MATCHDAY 9 SCHEDULE 
Friday, Oct. 6
USA vs. Panama 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Univision, UDN) 
Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago 9:30 p.m. ET (FS1, Univision, UDN) 
Costa Rica vs. Honduras 10 p.m. ET (beIN Sports, UNIVERSO)

STORYLINES

WITH TWO MATCHES LEFT, USA CONTROLS WORLD CUP DESTINY
The U.S. Men's National Team comes into Matchday 9 on the heels of Bobby Wood's 85th minute equalizer which handed the side a 1-1 draw at Honduras. The drama of Wood's goal perhaps overshadowed its importance, in that it also took two points off Honduras, keeping the USA ahead of Los Chapines going into the final two games. With Costa Rica all but qualified for Russia 2018, essentially the USA, Panama and Honduras are in a three-team race for the final automatic qualifying spot during the final two matchdays. The biggest game comes Friday in Orlando when the the MNT faces a third-place Panama side that sits one point ahead of the USA for CONCACAF's final automatic World Cup berth. A U.S. win against Panama on Friday would put Bruce Arena's side back into third place with an opportunity to solidify that position away to Trinidad & Tobago on Matchday 10, but a draw or loss to Panama could mean the MNT would need help next Tuesday in order to clinch third or fourth place. Check out all the scenarios around the conclusion of the Hex below:

Date

USA

Honduras

Panama

Oct. 6

vs. Panama

at Costa Rica

at USA

Oct. 10

at Trinidad & Tobago

vs. Mexico

vs. Costa Rica

WELL ACQUAINTED WITH PANAMA
If it seems like the U.S. MNT has played Panama a bunch, that's because they have. The sides have met a whopping 15 times since 2005, making Panama the USA's second most common opponent behind Mexico in that time span. With an 11-1-6 all-time record and 5-0-2 mark in qualifying, the MNT has largely dominated the series between the two nations, but Panama has proven quite difficult of late - the Central American nation has played the USA to four consecutive 1-1 draws, with two coming already this year in a World Cup Qualifier in Panama City on March 28 and the opening match of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup on July 8.

What has made Panama such a challenge? To summarize thoughts of U.S. MNT players, it's the commitment to a physical and disciplined playing style as well as the continuity that exists between the team's core group of players. Eight of the nation's nine most-capped players are on the current roster (see below) and 13 of the 22-man squad named by Hernan Dario Gomez have appeared in seven or more of Los Canaleros 2018 qualifiers.

Panama Overall and 2018 World Cup Qualifying Caps

Rank

Player

Overall Caps

2018 WCQ Caps

1

Gabriel Gómez

138

12

2

Jaime Penedo

125

10

3

Blas Pérez

112

11

4

Román Torres

104

6

5

Luis Tejada

103

9

6

Felipe Baloy

97

10

7

Armando Cooper

92

12

9

Alberto Quintero

87

11

 

CAUTION WATCH
A nearly two-year qualifying process will come to an end next Tuesday, but an important aspect of it all is yellow card accumulation. Rules stipulate that any player who accumulates two yellow cards during CONCACAF's 16-game World Cup Qualifying marathon must sit out their next official match. The USA experienced this last month, when forward Jozy Altidore was shown his second caution of 2018 qualifying against Costa Rica, forcing him to miss the USA's trip to Honduras four days later.

The MNT comes into Friday's contest with nine players who would be suspended for Tuesday's visit to Trinidad & Tobago if they earn a yellow card against Panama: Kellyn Acosta, Paul Arriola, DaMarcus Beasley, Alejandro Bedoya, Matt Besler, Michael Bradley, Geoff Cameron, Clint Dempsey and DeAndre Yedlin.

 

HEAVY ON EXPERIENCE
With the Final Round reaching crunch time, Arena has called upon a group loaded with experience in World Cup Qualifying. A total of 12 players on the roster have made 11 or more FIFA World Cup Qualifying appearances: Clint Dempsey (41), Jozy Altidore (39), Michael Bradley (38), Tim Howard (37), DaMarcus Beasley (35), Geoff Cameron (24), Graham Zusi (20), Omar Gonzalez (16), Brad Guzan (15), Matt Besler, Bobby Wood (12 each) and Christian Pulisic (11).

 

STRONG IN '17
The MNT has been formidable this year, winning the confederation championship and taking points in all three road World Cup Qualifiers, including the 1-1 draw against Mexico at Estadio Azteca. The 2017 Gold Cup champions have lost only once in 16 matches, tallying 28 goals and recording seven shutouts. Seven players have put their names on the scoresheet multiple times, with Clint Dempsey leading all U.S. scorers with five goals, while Christian Pulisic has tallied four goals and three assists.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING VS. PANAMA
The USA owns an 11-1-6 all-time record against Panama and is 5-0-2 vs. Los Canaleros in seven previous World Cup Qualifiers.

 

USA-Panama World Cup Qualifying Results

Date

Result

U.S. Goal Scorers

Location

Sept. 8, 2004

1-1 D

C. Jones

Panama City, Panama

Oct. 13, 2004

6-0 W

Donovan (2), E. Johnson (3), OG

Washington, D.C.

June 8, 2005

3-0 W

Bocanegra, Donovan, McBride

Panama City, Panama

Oct. 12, 2005

2-0 W

Martino, Twellman

Foxborough, Mass.

June 11, 2013

2-0 W

Altidore, E. Johnson

Seattle, Wash.

Oct. 15, 2013

3-2 W

Orozco, Zusi, Johannsson

Panama City, Panama

March 28, 2017

1-1 D

Dempsey

Panama City, Panama

 

USA-PANAMA NOTES

 

  • Since first meeting in 1993, the U.S. Men's National Team holds a 11-1-6 all-time advantage against Panama.
  • The MNT is 5-0-2 all-time in World Cup Qualifiers vs. Los Canaleros and 3-0-0 when those matches have come on home soil.
  • Aside from Mexico, the U.S. has played Panama more than any other international opponent since 2004, meeting the Central American nation 17 times in that span.
  • Since the USA's 3-2 win which knocked Panama out of World Cup contention on the last day of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, the two sides have played to four consecutive 1-1 draws.
  • Two of those draws came this year. In a World Cup Qualifier played March 28 in Panama City, Clint Dempsey tallied in the 39th minute before Panama equalized through Gabriel Gomez four minutes later. In the USA's opening match of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Dom Dwyer tallied for the MNT in the 50th minute before Miguel Camargo pulled things level 10 minutes later.
  • Fourteen of the 18 all-time meetings between the two sides have been decided by a goal or less.
  • U.S. MNT head coach Bruce Arena is 3-0-2 all-time vs. Panama.

 

USA ROSTER NOTES:

 

  • A total of 12 players on the roster have made 11 or more FIFA World Cup Qualifying appearances: Clint Dempsey (41), Jozy Altidore (39), Michael Bradley (38), Tim Howard (37), DaMarcus Beasley (35), Geoff Cameron (24), Graham Zusi (20), Omar Gonzalez (16), Brad Guzan (15), Matt Besler, Bobby Wood (12 each) and Christian Pulisic (11).
  • Seventeen players logged time during the team's September World Cup Qualifying matches: goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Howard; defenders Beasley, Besler, Cameron, Gonzalez, Ream, Jorge Villafaña and Zusi; midfielders Kellyn Acosta, Paul Arriola, Bradley, Darlington Nagbe and Pulisic; forwards Altidore, Dempsey and Wood.
  • Because the MNT has nine players on caution watch entering this match, Arena has once again elected to call a larger 26-player roster. Acosta, Arriola, Beasley, Bedoya, Besler, Bradley, Cameron, Dempsey and Yedlin will serve a one-match suspension with their next yellow card.
  • Four players will look to make their World Cup Qualifying debuts: goalkeeper Nick Rimando, midfielders Juan Agudelo and Dax McCarty, and forward Chris Wondolowski.
  • Dempsey, Zusi and Altidore have all tallied goals against Panama in World Cup Qualifying. Dempsey found the back of the net in a 1-1 draw at Panama City (March 28, 2017), Altidore recorded a goal during a 2-0 win in Seattle (June 18, 2013), while Zusi memorably headed home the equalizer in the USA's eventual 3-2 win to knock Panama out of World Cup contention (Oct. 15, 2013 in Panama City).
  • Dempsey leads all goal scorers during the Final Round of qualifying with four.
  • While he holds three goals and three assists in qualifying matches this year, in one way or another, Christian Pulisic has been involved in nine of the 12 goals scored by the U.S. during the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
  • Forward Bobby Wood returns to camp after tallying a crucial 85 th minute equalizer in the USA's 1-1 draw at Honduras last month. Four of Wood's nine international goals have come in the 85 th minute or later.
  • After being sidelined the past few weeks with a hamstring injury, center back Geoff Cameron returned for Stoke City on Saturday, going 90 minutes in the club's 2-1 home win against Southampton.
  • Two players on the roster grew up in the Orlando area. Midfielder Dax McCarty hails from Winter Park, while Zusi is from nearby Longwood.
  • The October camp marks returns for three MNT players. Defender DeAndre Yedlin missed September's qualifiers due to a hamstring injury, but has returned to play in both of Newcastle United's league matches prior to Sunday's announcement.
  • Defender Michael Orozco takes part in his first camp since the March qualifiers earlier this year.
  • Benny Feilhaber is back with the MNT for the first time since assisting on the game-winning goal in the USA's 1-0 friendly win vs. Jamaica on Feb. 5, 2017. The Sporting KC midfielder also enters his first World Cup Qualifying camp since October 2009.

 

Panama Roster by Position: 
GOALKEEPERS (2): José Calderón (Marathón/HON), Jaime Penedo (Dynamo Bucharest/ROM)

DEFENDERS (8): Felipe Baloy (Municipal/GUA), Érick Davis (Dunajská Streda/SVK), Fidel Escobar (New York Red Bulls/USA), Adolfo Machado (Houston Dynamo/USA), Michael Murillo (New York Red Bulls/USA), Luis Ovalle (Deportes Tolima/COL), Román Torres (Seattle Sounders FC), Jan Carlos Vargas (Tauro)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Édgar Bárcenas (Tapachula/MEX), Ricardo Buitrago (Juan Aurich/PER), Armando Cooper (Toronto FC/CAN), Aníbal Godoy (San Jose Earthquakes/USA), Gabriel Gòmez (Atlético Bucaramanga/COL), José González (Árabe Unido), Alberto Quintero (Universitario/PER)

FORWARDS (5): Abdiel Arroyo (Danubio/URU), Roberto Nurse (Zacatecas), Blas Pérez (Municipal/GUA), Luis Tejada (Universitario/PER), Gabriel Torres (Lausanna-Sport/SUI) 

HEAD COACH: Hernan Dario Gomez

PANAMA NOTES

  • Panama comes into Matchday 9 on the heels of a 3-0 home win against Trinidad & Tobago on Sept. 5in Panama City.
  • That victory handed Los Canaleros a total of 10 points and pushed them up to third in the Hex with two matches remaining.
  • Panama has gone 1-2-1 in its previous four away matches during Final Round qualifying. The victory came on Matchday 1 when they pulled of a 1-0 win at Honduras.
  • Seven of Panama's eight Final Round matches have been decided by a goal or less.
  • Panama has received goals from six different players during the Final Round of qualifying: Abdiel Arroyo, Fidel Escobar, Gabriel Gómez, Blas Pérez, Gabriel Torres and Român Torres.
  • Six players on the Panama roster play in MLS: Armando Cooper (Toronto FC), Anibal Godoy (San Jose Earthquakes), Fidel Escobar and Michael Murillo (New York Red Bulls), Adolfo Machado (Houston Dynamo), Román Torres (Seattle Sounders FC)

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U.S. SOCCER AND HISENSE USA JOIN FORCES TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE DREAM TEAM

U.S. SOCCER AND HISENSE USA JOIN FORCES TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE DREAM TEAM

06/10/2017, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 24383840

U.S. Soccer

U.S. SOCCER AND HISENSE USA JOIN FORCES TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE DREAM TEAM

Hisense USA Becomes Official Sponsor of U.S. National Soccer Teams
Through 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Women's World Cup

 

CHICAGO (Oct. 5, 2017) - Hisense USA, a global technology leader, today announced a comprehensive partnership to become the Official TV and Appliance Manufacturer of the U.S. National Soccer Teams. Hisense USA will be supporting U.S. Soccer through the 2018 World Cup, 2019 Women's World Cup, U.S. Soccer Development Academy, and U.S. Men's and Women's Youth National Soccer Teams.

Hisense USA and U.S. Soccer are coming together to galvanize soccer fans across the globe by bringing the highest level of the sport in the United States together with the best TV picture quality, motion technology and premium viewing experiences.

In addition to amazing TV viewing experiences, the partnership will celebrate a shared passion to make soccer the preeminent sport in the U.S. by connecting to fans in deeper, more meaningful ways. Hisense USA also hopes to introduce its premium line of appliances to these new audiences. This partnership will be executed in tandem with Hisense's ongoing work as an official sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, deepening the brand's investment in the world's most popular sport.

"In addition to our global FIFA partnership, our U.S. Soccer partnership offers an amazing opportunity to bring families and soccer fans together throughout the year and cheer on our country during some of the biggest sporting events in the world," said Mark Viken, Vice President of Marketing at Hisense USA. "Soccer is a global sport with incredibly passionate fans. We're excited to introduce that passionate market to our industry-leading TV lineup to deliver the ultimate viewing experience."

"We are pleased to work with Hisense USA and continue to improve the viewing experience for fans of the U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams across the United States," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "Our partnership with Hisense USA increases our ability to bring our National Teams into the homes of the people who watch and support U.S. Soccer. We're excited for the possibilities ahead with the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on the horizon."

Hisense USA and U.S. Soccer will kick off their relationship in the U.S. Men's qualifying match against Panama on Oct. 6, 2017, showcasing a variety of in-game and social activations. Hisense USA will actively partner with the U.S. Soccer Federation for key men's and women's matches throughout the year. The comprehensive, multi-channel campaign will feature extensive brand integration across broadcast, digital, in-stadium exposure, and on-site activations.

To celebrate the new union, Hisense USA is hosting a Twitter contest giving sports fans a chance to win a free 4K TV and U.S. Soccer team jersey. Fans who tweet #HisenseUSMNT before 11:59 p.m. ET, October 8, will be eligible. Contest rules and eligibility information are available here.

About Hisense USA Corporation and Hisense Company Ltd.
Hisense USA Corporation offers an innovative range of technology products that disrupt the consumer electronics industry, challenge the competition and provide significant value to consumers. Manufactured and distributed across North America, Hisense USA Corporation's product portfolio includes televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, beverage coolers and freezers.

Hisense Company Ltd. is a multinational consumer technology manufacturer and one of the largest television brands in the world with the No. 1 TV share position in China for 14 consecutive years. The Company is committed to advancing the consumer technology industry across North America and has dedicated R&D centers in Atlanta, GA; San Jose, CA; and Toronto, Canada to enable localized product development and innovation.

Hisense products are available globally in over 130 countries and regions, with production facilities in China, South Africa, Czech Republic and Mexico, as well as sales offices across North America, Europe, Australia, Middle East, and Southeastern Asia.

 
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Midfielder Benny Feilhaber Discusses the U.S. MNT's Next World Cup Qualifying Match vs. Panama

Midfielder Benny Feilhaber Discusses the U.S. MNT's Next World Cup Qualifying Match vs. Panama

04/10/2017, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 24362429

Video of U.S. MNT midfielder Benny Feilhaber, speaking from Orlando, Fla. about the USA's next World Cup Qualifying match against Panama on Oct. 6.

When using video, please courtesy U.S. Soccer/Wazee Digital.

U.S. MNT midfielder BENNY FEILHABER
https://ussoccer.box.com/s/z1onjduiuj4pjqp06c9a4o1b1xgo78s6

MNT TRAINING BROLL
https://ussoccer.box.com/s/xgqi45umquut6s95sj9dc681jrc6yd0x

 

Thank You,

Michael Kammarman
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WOOD SECURES U.S. MNT VALUABLE POINT IN HARD-FOUGHT, 1-1 COMEBACK DRAW AGAINST HONDURAS

WOOD SECURES U.S. MNT VALUABLE POINT IN HARD-FOUGHT, 1-1 COMEBACK DRAW AGAINST HONDURAS

06/09/2017, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 24040766

 

U.S. Soccer

WOOD SECURES U.S. MNT VALUABLE POINT IN HARD-FOUGHT, 1-1 COMEBACK DRAW AGAINST HONDURAS

Wood Scores Important First Goal of 2017 for U.S. MNT in 85th Minute; 
USA Remains in Third Place with Nine Points in Hex Standings with Two Games to Play; 
U.S. Next Hosts Panama on Oct. 6 in Orlando and Travels to Trinidad on Oct. 10

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (Sept. 5, 2017) - The U.S. Men's National Team earned an important point to remain in third place in the Hex standings through Bobby Wood's 85th minute equalizer that delivered a hard-fought 1-1 draw in sweltering conditions vs. Honduras.

Despite some good moments in the opening 15 minutes, the U.S. went behind in the 27th when Romell Quioto wrapped his close-range effort off the far, left post and into the net for a 1-0 lead that the hosts would carry into the break.

In the second stanza, the U.S. began brightly again, knowing that a result was a must to keep their hands on the final automatic qualifying spot for the 2018 World Cup. Still chasing an equalizer at the 60 minute mark, U.S. MNT head coach Bruce Arena began to shuffle his deck, bringing on Paul Arriola, Geoff Cameron and Wood, all of whom contributed a needed boost of energy. 

As the minutes ticked down and the game opened up, a foul on Pulisic in the center of the Honduras half set the stage for the USA's dramatic late equalizer. Kellyn Acosta sent a beautiful free kick toward the upper left corner, only see it denied by an acrobatic save from Honduras goalkeeper Luis López. However, the rebound was hooked back toward the goal mouth by a sprawling Matt Besler and Jordan Morris helped it on with a crucial flicked header that landed on Wood's chest and the Hawaiian-born striker made no mistake from close range to give the USA a crucial point and 1-1 draw with his 85th minute strike. 

Next on the Schedule: The MNT concludes the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying next month with an imperative home match against Panama, Presented by Volpi Foods, on Oct. 6 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Fla. (7 p.m. ET; ESPN and Univision Networks), before traveling to face Trinidad and Tobago (kickoff time and TV info will be available on ussoccer.com at a later date). 
Social: Twitter (@ussoccer;@ussoccer_esp); Facebook; Instagram; Snapchat (ussoccer_mnt) 

Goal Scoring Rundown: 
HON - Romell Quioto (Alex Lopez), 27th minute: Alex Lopez played a long lead pass down the USA's right flank for Quioto to chase. The ball evaded a last-ditch tackle by U.S. center back Omar Gonzalez and rolled to Quioto, who curled a shot from a wide angle around the well-positioned Brad Guzan and off the left post into the net. [WATCH]

USA - Bobby Wood (Jordan Morris), 85th minute: Pushing the game in the waning moments, the USA was awarded a free kick 27 yards from goal when Christian Pulisic suffered a hard foul. Kellyn Acosta stepped up to deliver a strong, curling effort that was destined for the upper right corner until López made a spectacular, one-handed, diving save. But the rebound was hooked back toward the right post by Besler, then headed on by Morris into the path of an unmarked Wood, who chested it down and tapped home with the outside of his right foot in one fluid move. [WATCH] FINAL

Key Saves and Defensive Stops: 
USA - Brad Guzan, 24th minute: Honduras attacked down the left sideline through Alberth Elis who was shadowed by Graham Zusi. The speedy Elis was able to escape and charged into the box but his low drive toward the bottom right corner was well held by Guzan.

HON - Luis López, 41st minute: Christian Pulisic carried the ball out of midfield into the final third before threading a pass to Jordan Morris at the top of the 18. Morris held the ball, drawing defenders to him before releasing Pulisic, who had continued his run, on goal but his snap shot from a wide angle was save by a sliding López.

USA - Brad Guzan, 44th minute: Honduras was awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal that was just off center to the right. Maynor Figueroa stepped up to blast a powerful drive toward the middle of goal, but Guzan was well positioned to punch the shot over the crossbar.

HON - Maynor Figueroa, 74h minute: After making its full complement of subs, the USA pushed the game and a deflected cross fell to Dempsey inside the box. He volleyed it across the face of goal, but Honduras captain Figueroa clear the ball behind the goal with Bobby Wood lurking dangerously behind him.

NOTES:

  • The U.S. MNT is 16-4-5 all-time vs. Honduras, 6-2-2 in World Cup Qualifying and 3-1-2 in road qualifiers.
  • Bruce Arena is 6-1-1 in eight all-time matches vs. Los Catrachos.
  • Bobby Wood's 85th minute equalizer was his first goal of 2017, ninth of his international career and fifth in World Cup Qualifying.
  • Jordan Morris recorded his second career assist on Wood's goal.
  • Bruce Arena made seven changes to the Starting XI that faced Costa Rica on Friday, with midfielders Michael Bradley, Darlington Nagbe, Christian Pulisic and defender Graham Zusi as the four holdovers.
  • With the start, Clint Dempsey moved past Landon Donovan and into sole possession of first on the MNT's all-time World Cup Qualifying caps list with 41.
  • Graham Zusi made his team-leading 13th appearance of 2017, which is also his career high for caps in a calendar year.
  • The U.S. was without forward Jozy Altidore, who was serving a one-match suspension after receiving his second yellow card of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying vs. Costa Rica.
  • Kellyn Acosta and DaMarcus Beasley picked up yellow cards, joining Paul Arriola, Alejandro Bedoya, Matt Besler, Michael Bradley Geoff Cameron and Clint Dempsey on caution watch heading into October's qualifiers.
  • Brad Guzan made his sixth start of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. The veteran goalkeeper is 8-2-4 in 15 previous qualifiers and has gone 3-2-4 on the road, helping the MNT pick up points in seven of nine matches.
  • In order to get the gameday roster down to 23 players, defender Matt Hedges and midfielder Cristian Roldan did not dress for today's match.

- U.S. Men's National Team Match Report -

 

Match: U.S. Men's National Team vs. Honduras 
Date: Sept. 5 , 2017 
Competition: 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - Final Round 
Venue: Estadio Olímpico; San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET 
Attendance: 30,000 
Weather: 89 degrees; partly sunny

 

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F 
USA                          0 1 1
HON                          1 0 1

HON - Romell Quioto (Alex López)            27th minute
USA - Bobby Wood (Jordan Morris)           85

Lineups:
USA: 12-Brad Guzan; 19-Graham Zusi (20-Geoff Cameron, 63), 3-Omar González, 5-Matt Besler, 7-DaMarcus Beasley (21-Paul Arriola, 62); 16-Kellyn Acosta, 4-Michael Bradley (capt.); 10-Christian Pulisic, 8-Clint Dempsey, 6-Darlington Nagbe (9-Bobby Wood, 73); 17-Jordan Morris
Subs not used: 1-Tim Howard, 22-Nick Rimando, 2-Jorge Villafaña, 11-Alejandro Bedoya, 13-Dax McCarty, 14-Tim Ream, 15-Eric Lichaj, 18-Chris Wondolowski, 23-Fabian Johnson
Head coach: Bruce Arena

 

HON: 1-Luis López; 21-Brayan Beckeles, 4-Henry Figueroa, 3-Maynor Figueroa (capt.), 5-Ever Alvarado; 17-Alberth Elis, 8-Alfredo Mejía, 10-Alex López (13-Carlo Costly, 64), 20-Jorge Claros, 12-Romell Quioto (14-Oscar García, 66); 9-Antony Lozano (23-Johnny Palacios, 82)
Subs not used: 18-Ricardo Canales, 16-Carlos Lanza, 22-Donis Escober, 19-Carlos Sánchez, 7-Carlos Discua, 15-Sergio Peña, 11-Eddie Hernández, 6-Bryan Acosta, 2-Felix Crisanto
Head coach: Jorge Luis Pinto

 

Stats Summary: USA / HON 
Shots: 9 / 11 
Shots on Goal: 4 / 6 
Saves: 5 / 3 
Corner Kicks: 3 / 4 
Fouls: 17 / 14 
Offside: 1 / 2

 

Misconduct Summary: 
HON - Jorge Claros (caution)                       17th minute
HON - Henry Figueroa (caution)                   23
USA - DaMarcus Beasley (caution)             36
USA - Kellyn Acosta (caution)                      61
HON - Henry Figueroa (caution)                  90+2
HON - Henry Figueroa (sent off)                  90+3

 

Officials: 
Referee: Joel Aguilar (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Zumba (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: William Torres (SLV)
Fourth Official: Mario Escobar (GUA)

 

Budweiser Man of the Match: Kellyn Acosta

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U.S. Soccer

WOOD SECURES U.S. MNT VALUABLE POINT IN HARD-FOUGHT, 1-1 COMEBACK DRAW AGAINST HONDURAS

Wood Scores Important First Goal of 2017 for U.S. MNT in 85th Minute; 
USA Remains in Third Place with Nine Points in Hex Standings with Two Games to Play; 
U.S. Next Hosts Panama on Oct. 6 in Orlando and Travels to Trinidad on Oct. 10

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (Sept. 5, 2017) - The U.S. Men's National Team earned an important point to remain in third place in the Hex standings through Bobby Wood's 85th minute equalizer that delivered a hard-fought 1-1 draw in sweltering conditions vs. Honduras.

Despite some good moments in the opening 15 minutes, the U.S. went behind in the 27th when Romell Quioto wrapped his close-range effort off the far, left post and into the net for a 1-0 lead that the hosts would carry into the break.

In the second stanza, the U.S. began brightly again, knowing that a result was a must to keep their hands on the final automatic qualifying spot for the 2018 World Cup. Still chasing an equalizer at the 60 minute mark, U.S. MNT head coach Bruce Arena began to shuffle his deck, bringing on Paul Arriola, Geoff Cameron and Wood, all of whom contributed a needed boost of energy. 

As the minutes ticked down and the game opened up, a foul on Pulisic in the center of the Honduras half set the stage for the USA's dramatic late equalizer. Kellyn Acosta sent a beautiful free kick toward the upper left corner, only see it denied by an acrobatic save from Honduras goalkeeper Luis López. However, the rebound was hooked back toward the goal mouth by a sprawling Matt Besler and Jordan Morris helped it on with a crucial flicked header that landed on Wood's chest and the Hawaiian-born striker made no mistake from close range to give the USA a crucial point and 1-1 draw with his 85th minute strike. 

Next on the Schedule: The MNT concludes the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying next month with an imperative home match against Panama, Presented by Volpi Foods, on Oct. 6 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Fla. (7 p.m. ET; ESPN and Univision Networks), before traveling to face Trinidad and Tobago (kickoff time and TV info will be available on ussoccer.com at a later date). 
Social: Twitter (@ussoccer;@ussoccer_esp); Facebook; Instagram; Snapchat (ussoccer_mnt) 

Goal Scoring Rundown: 
HON - Romell Quioto (Alex Lopez), 27th minute: Alex Lopez played a long lead pass down the USA's right flank for Quioto to chase. The ball evaded a last-ditch tackle by U.S. center back Omar Gonzalez and rolled to Quioto, who curled a shot from a wide angle around the well-positioned Brad Guzan and off the left post into the net. [WATCH]

USA - Bobby Wood (Jordan Morris), 85th minute: Pushing the game in the waning moments, the USA was awarded a free kick 27 yards from goal when Christian Pulisic suffered a hard foul. Kellyn Acosta stepped up to deliver a strong, curling effort that was destined for the upper right corner until López made a spectacular, one-handed, diving save. But the rebound was hooked back toward the right post by Besler, then headed on by Morris into the path of an unmarked Wood, who chested it down and tapped home with the outside of his right foot in one fluid move. [WATCH] FINAL

Key Saves and Defensive Stops: 
USA - Brad Guzan, 24th minute: Honduras attacked down the left sideline through Alberth Elis who was shadowed by Graham Zusi. The speedy Elis was able to escape and charged into the box but his low drive toward the bottom right corner was well held by Guzan.

HON - Luis López, 41st minute: Christian Pulisic carried the ball out of midfield into the final third before threading a pass to Jordan Morris at the top of the 18. Morris held the ball, drawing defenders to him before releasing Pulisic, who had continued his run, on goal but his snap shot from a wide angle was save by a sliding López.

USA - Brad Guzan, 44th minute: Honduras was awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal that was just off center to the right. Maynor Figueroa stepped up to blast a powerful drive toward the middle of goal, but Guzan was well positioned to punch the shot over the crossbar.

HON - Maynor Figueroa, 74h minute: After making its full complement of subs, the USA pushed the game and a deflected cross fell to Dempsey inside the box. He volleyed it across the face of goal, but Honduras captain Figueroa clear the ball behind the goal with Bobby Wood lurking dangerously behind him.

NOTES:

  • The U.S. MNT is 16-4-5 all-time vs. Honduras, 6-2-2 in World Cup Qualifying and 3-1-2 in road qualifiers.
  • Bruce Arena is 6-1-1 in eight all-time matches vs. Los Catrachos.
  • Bobby Wood's 85th minute equalizer was his first goal of 2017, ninth of his international career and fifth in World Cup Qualifying.
  • Jordan Morris recorded his second career assist on Wood's goal.
  • Bruce Arena made seven changes to the Starting XI that faced Costa Rica on Friday, with midfielders Michael Bradley, Darlington Nagbe, Christian Pulisic and defender Graham Zusi as the four holdovers.
  • With the start, Clint Dempsey moved past Landon Donovan and into sole possession of first on the MNT's all-time World Cup Qualifying caps list with 41.
  • Graham Zusi made his team-leading 13th appearance of 2017, which is also his career high for caps in a calendar year.
  • The U.S. was without forward Jozy Altidore, who was serving a one-match suspension after receiving his second yellow card of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying vs. Costa Rica.
  • Kellyn Acosta and DaMarcus Beasley picked up yellow cards, joining Paul Arriola, Alejandro Bedoya, Matt Besler, Michael Bradley Geoff Cameron and Clint Dempsey on caution watch heading into October's qualifiers.
  • Brad Guzan made his sixth start of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. The veteran goalkeeper is 8-2-4 in 15 previous qualifiers and has gone 3-2-4 on the road, helping the MNT pick up points in seven of nine matches.
  • In order to get the gameday roster down to 23 players, defender Matt Hedges and midfielder Cristian Roldan did not dress for today's match.

- U.S. Men's National Team Match Report -

 

Match: U.S. Men's National Team vs. Honduras 
Date: Sept. 5 , 2017 
Competition: 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - Final Round 
Venue: Estadio Olímpico; San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET 
Attendance: 30,000 
Weather: 89 degrees; partly sunny

 

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F 
USA                          0 1 1
HON                          1 0 1

HON - Romell Quioto (Alex López)            27th minute
USA - Bobby Wood (Jordan Morris)           85

Lineups:
USA: 12-Brad Guzan; 19-Graham Zusi (20-Geoff Cameron, 63), 3-Omar González, 5-Matt Besler, 7-DaMarcus Beasley (21-Paul Arriola, 62); 16-Kellyn Acosta, 4-Michael Bradley (capt.); 10-Christian Pulisic, 8-Clint Dempsey, 6-Darlington Nagbe (9-Bobby Wood, 73); 17-Jordan Morris
Subs not used: 1-Tim Howard, 22-Nick Rimando, 2-Jorge Villafaña, 11-Alejandro Bedoya, 13-Dax McCarty, 14-Tim Ream, 15-Eric Lichaj, 18-Chris Wondolowski, 23-Fabian Johnson
Head coach: Bruce Arena

 

HON: 1-Luis López; 21-Brayan Beckeles, 4-Henry Figueroa, 3-Maynor Figueroa (capt.), 5-Ever Alvarado; 17-Alberth Elis, 8-Alfredo Mejía, 10-Alex López (13-Carlo Costly, 64), 20-Jorge Claros, 12-Romell Quioto (14-Oscar García, 66); 9-Antony Lozano (23-Johnny Palacios, 82)
Subs not used: 18-Ricardo Canales, 16-Carlos Lanza, 22-Donis Escober, 19-Carlos Sánchez, 7-Carlos Discua, 15-Sergio Peña, 11-Eddie Hernández, 6-Bryan Acosta, 2-Felix Crisanto
Head coach: Jorge Luis Pinto

 

Stats Summary: USA / HON 
Shots: 9 / 11 
Shots on Goal: 4 / 6 
Saves: 5 / 3 
Corner Kicks: 3 / 4 
Fouls: 17 / 14 
Offside: 1 / 2

 

Misconduct Summary: 
HON - Jorge Claros (caution)                       17th minute
HON - Henry Figueroa (caution)                   23
USA - DaMarcus Beasley (caution)             36
USA - Kellyn Acosta (caution)                      61
HON - Henry Figueroa (caution)                  90+2
HON - Henry Figueroa (sent off)                  90+3

 

Officials: 
Referee: Joel Aguilar (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Zumba (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: William Torres (SLV)
Fourth Official: Mario Escobar (GUA)

 

Budweiser Man of the Match: Kellyn Acosta

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U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM LOOKS TO REBOUND WITH WORLD CUP QUALIFYING VISIT TO HONDURAS

U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM LOOKS TO REBOUND WITH WORLD CUP QUALIFYING VISIT TO HONDURAS

05/09/2017, USA, Soccer, US Soccer, Article # 24028558

U.S. Soccer

U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM LOOKS TO REBOUND WITH WORLD CUP QUALIFYING VISIT TO HONDURAS

MNT Visits Honduras on Matchday 8 of 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Round Qualifying; 
Watch USA-Honduras on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. ET (bein Sports, UNIVERSO)

CHICAGO (Sept. 4, 2017) - The U.S. Men's National Team looks to bounce back from Friday's 2-0 defeat to Costa Rica when it visits Honduras on Tuesday, Sept. 5 in Final Round Qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Matchday 8 clash kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET, with beIN Sports and UNIVERSO providing coverage from Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula. Fans can also follow the game live on Facebook and Twitter at @ussoccer and @ussoccer_esp.

U.S. MNT Roster by Position (Club; WCQ Caps/Goals):
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 14/0), Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids; 37/0), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake; 0/0)

DEFENDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo; 34/6),Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City; 11/1), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG; 23/2), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca/MEX; 15/0), Matt Hedges (FC Dallas; 0/0), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest/ENG; 0/0), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 6/0), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna/MEX; 4/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City; 19/3)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; 4/0),Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 4/1),Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union; 9/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 36/7), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 17/1), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers; 8/0), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 10/5), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 0/0)

FORWARDS (4): Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC; 40/18), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC; 4/0), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Bobby Wood (Hamburg/GER; 11/4)

2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Final Round Standings

TEAM

GP

W

L

D

Pts .

GF

GA

GD

x-Mexico

7

5

0

2

17

10

2

+8

Costa Rica

7

4

1

2

14

11

4

+7

USA

7

2

3

2

8

11

10

+1

Honduras

7

2

3

2

8

8

15

-7

Panama

7

1

2

4

7

4

5

-1

Trinidad & Tobago

7

1

6

0

3

4

12

-8


x- Qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

 

MATCHDAY 8 SCHEDULE 

Tuesday, Sept. 5
Honduras vs. USA 5:30 p.m. ET (beIN Sports, UNIVERSO)
Panama vs. Trinidad & Tobago 9:30 p.m. ET (UNIVERSO)
Costa Rica vs. Mexico 10 p.m. ET (beIN Sports, Telemundo)

STORYLINES

USA FALLS 2-0 TO COSTA RICA
The U.S. Men's National Team had its chances but came up empty-handed as Costa Rica forward Marco Ureña tallied on both sides of halftime to give Los Ticos a 2-0 win in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,600 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Friday. In what captain Michael Bradley described as "a game of moments" , the U.S. felt it should have been awarded a penalty kick when Jozy Altidore was hauled down in the area in the 24th minute, before Ureña found the back of the net in the 38th minute. After halftime, two more golden opportunities from Christian Pulisic and Altidore were thwarted by Costa Rica 'keeper Keylor Navas, before Ureña iced the match in the 82nd minute.

 

MOVE ON QUICKLY
Though disappointed by Friday's defeat, the MNT has been united in its resolve to move on from the result andmake things right in Tuesday's visit to Honduras . In his post-game press conference, Bruce Arena said, "This is how you deal in competition and sports. You don't win every game, and when you get a bad result you've got to put it past you real quick and get ready to play the next game."

Goalkeeper Tim Howard echoed Arena's comments saying, "We're professional. We're an experienced group. We'll bounce back, forget about it and move forward."

And captain Michael Bradley added, "The group is strong. The group is ready to respond to this in a big way."

ALL TO PLAY FOR WITH MNT STILL CONTROLLING ITS OWN DESTINY
When it comes to booking its ticket to Russia 2018, the USA still controls its own destiny with three matches remaining in the Hex. Tied on eight points with Honduras (but ahead on the first tiebreaker of goal differential) and just one point ahead of Panama, the MNT faces those two nations in its next two matches - Honduras in San Pedro Sula on Tuesday and Panama on Oct. 6 in Orlando. The USA's last match to close the Hex is away against Trinidad & Tobago on Oct. 10.

With Mexico clinching qualification and Costa Rica all but there, it comes down to a three-team race between the USA, Honduras and Mexico. It goes without saying that the next two matches will be vital in determining which of those three countries will claim CONCACAF's third automatic qualifying spot, which will advance to the two-game playoff with a member of the Asian Football Confederation for another place at the World Cup and which will be left out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Here is the remaining Hex schedule for the three third-place contenders:

Date

USA

Honduras

Panama

Sept. 5

at Honduras

vs. USA

vs. Trinidad & Tobago

Oct. 6

vs. Panama

at Costa Rica

at USA

Oct. 10

at Trinidad & Tobago

vs. Mexico

vs. Costa Rica

USA LOSES ALTIDORE TO YELLOW CARD ACCUMULATION
When it faces Honduras on Tuesday, the MNT will be without forward Jozy Altidore, who received his second yellow card of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying in the 80th minute of Friday's 2-0 defeat to Costa Rica. Altidore received his first caution in the team's 4-0 defeat at Costa Rica, and is the sixth U.S. player to serve a suspension due to yellow-card accumulation during this cycle, joining Michael Bradley, Timmy Chandler, Jermaine Jones, Michael Orozco and DeAndre Yedlin.

 

HEAVY ON EXPERIENCE
With the Final Round reaching crunch time, Arena has called upon a group loaded with experience in World Cup Qualifying. A total of 11 players on the roster have made 10 or more FIFA World Cup Qualifying appearances: Clint Dempsey (39), Tim Howard (36), Michael Bradley (35), DaMarcus Beasley (34), Geoff Cameron (22), Graham Zusi (18), Fabian Johnson (16), Omar Gonzalez (15), Brad Guzan (14), Matt Besler (11) and Christian Pulisic (10). Additionally, 17 players earned themselves a medal by winning the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

 

SPREADING THE SCORING WEALTH 
A total of 13 U.S. players have gotten on the scoresheet in 2017, and seven of them are on the roster headed to Honduras. Clint Dempsey leads all scorers with five goals, while Jordan Morris and Christian Pulisic each have four. Morris netted the championship-winning goal in this summer's Gold Cup, while three of Pulisic's goals have come in World Cup Qualifying including a pair in the 2-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago. Most recently, Michael Bradley's wonder chip in Mexico City earned the MNT a vital point on the road.

HISTORY IN HONDURAS
While away matches in Honduras are always difficult affairs, the U.S. has had its share of successes, going 3-1-1 when visiting Los Catrachos in World Cup Qualifying. After earning a win and a draw in two matches played during the 1966 cycle, a Bruce Arena-led MNT returned to San Pedro Sula in 2001 and earned a valuable 2-1 victory at the start of the Hex.

In 2009, a Conor Casey brace and Landon Donovan free kick led the USA to a wild 3-2 victory in a match which clinched qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In its most recent visit in 2013, the MNT ran out to a 1-0 lead thanks to Clint Dempsey's 36th-minute volley, only to have Honduras recover to collect a 2-1 victory. That result is the USA's only defeat in five away World Cup Qualifying matches in Honduras.

Take a look at the MNT's full World Cup Qualifying history against Los Catrachos:

 

USA-Honduras All-Time World Cup Qualifying Results

Date

Result

U.S. Goal Scorers

Location

March 17, 1965

1-0 W

E. Murphy

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

March 21, 1965

1-1 D

E. Murphy

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

March 28, 2001

2-1 W

Stewart, Mathis

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Sept. 1, 2001

2-3 L

Stewart (2)

Washington, D.C.

June 6, 2009

2-1 W

Donovan, Bocanegra

Chicago, Ill.

Oct. 10, 2009

3-2 W

Casey (2), Donovan

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Feb. 6, 2013

1-2 L

Dempsey

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

June 18, 2013

1-0 W

Altidore

Sandy, Utah

March 24, 2017

6-0 W

Lletget, Bradley, Dempsey (3), Pulisic

San Jose, Calif.

 

USA-HONDURAS NOTES

 

  • Since first meeting in 1965, the U.S. Men's National Team holds a 16-4-4 record against Honduras.
  • The MNT is 6-2-1 all-time in World Cup Qualifiers vs. Los Catrachos and 3-1-1 when those matches are played on Honduran soil.
  • The USA's three away qualifying wins in Honduras is the team's highest total against any Central American nation.
  • The teams' most recent meeting came on March 24, 2017, when the USA utilized a hat trick from Clint Dempsey and goals from Sebastian Lletget, Michael Bradley and Christian Pulisic to earn an emphatic 6-0 win in San Jose, Calif.
  • U.S. MNT head coach Bruce Arena is 6-1-0 all-time vs. Honduras.

 

USA ROSTER NOTES:

 

  • A total of 11 players on the roster have made 10 or more FIFA World Cup Qualifying appearances: Clint Dempsey (39), Tim Howard (36), Michael Bradley (35), DaMarcus Beasley (34), Geoff Cameron (22), Graham Zusi (18), Fabian Johnson (16), Omar Gonzalez (15), Brad Guzan (14), Matt Besler (11) and Christian Pulisic (10).
  • Seventeen players logged time during the team's June World Cup Qualifying matches: goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Howard; defenders Beasley, Cameron, Gonzalez, Ream, Jorge Villafaña and Zusi; midfielders Kellyn Acosta, Paul Arriola, Alejandro Bedoya, Bradley, Johnson, Darlington Nagbe and Christian Pulisic; forwards Dempsey and Wood.
  • Seventeen players also took part in the U.S. MNT's 2017 Gold Cup championship campaign: Acosta, Arriola, Bedoya, Besler, Bradley, Dempsey, Gonzalez, Guzan, Matt Hedges, Howard, Eric Lichaj, Dax McCarty, Jordan Morris, Nagbe, Cristian Roldan, Villafaña and Zusi.
  • The U.S. will be without forward Jozy Altidore, who earned his second yellow card of World Cup Qualifying in Friday's 2-0 defeat to Costa Rica.
  • Arriola, Bedoya, Besler, Bradley, Cameron and Dempsey come into camp on World Cup Qualifying caution watch and will serve a one-match suspension with their next yellow card.
  • Six players will look to make their World Cup Qualifying debuts: goalkeeper Nick Rimando, defenders Matt Hedges and Eric Lichaj, midfielders Dax McCarty and Cristian Roldan and forward Chris Wondolowski.
  • With his substitute appearance on Friday, Clint Dempsey tied Landon Donovan for first on the MNT's World Cup Qualifying caps list with 40. The pair are also tied for the MNT's all-time goal scoring lead with 57.
  • With seven goals in nine appearances, Dempsey is the MNT's all-time leading scorer vs. Honduras, with the Central American nation also being the nation the U.S. forward has scored most against
  • With 18 goals, Dempsey is the U.S. MNT's all-time World Cup Qualifying scoring leader and tallied during the USA's last visit to San Pedro Sula, a 2-1 defeat on Feb. 6, 2013.
  • That goal, combined with his hat trick in the 6-0 win on March 24 give Dempsey four World Cup Qualifying goals vs. Honduras. Bradley and Pulisic each have one against Honduras, both coming in the March 24 match.
  • Bradley and Howard lead the list of seven players that have experienced a World Cup Qualifier in Honduras. The others: Cameron, Dempsey, Gonzalez, Johnson and Zusi.

 

HONDURAS ROSTER: 
GOALKEEPERS (3): Ricardo Canales (Vida), Donis Escober (Olimpia), Luis López (Real España)

DEFENDERS (9): Ever Alvarado (Olimpia), Bryan Beckeles (Necaxa/MEX), Felix Crisanto (Motagua), Henry Figueroa (Motagua), Maynor Figueroa (FC Dallas/USA), Emilio Izaguirre (Al-Fayha/KSA), Jhonny Leverón (Marathón), Jhonny Palacios (Olimpia), Carlos Sánchez (Honduras Progreso)

MIDFIELDERS (10): Bryan Acosta (Tenerife/ESP), Jorge Claros (Real España), Juan Ángel Delgado (Honduras Progreso) Carlos Discua (Motagua), Oscar Boniek García (Houston Dynamo/USA) Alexander López (Olimpia), Alfredo Mejía (Xanthi/GRE), Oliver Morazán (Olimpia), Esdras Padilla (Juticalpa) Sergio Peña (Real Sociedad)

FORWARDS (7): Carlo Costly (Olimpia), Alberth Elis (Houston Dynamo/USA), Eddie Hernández (Unattached) Ovidio Lanza (Juticalpa) Anthony Lozano (Barcelona B/ESP), Rony Martínez (Baoding Rongda/CHN), Romell Quioto (Houston Dynamo/USA)

HEAD COACH: Jorge Luis Pinto

HONDURAS NOTES

 

  • Following their 2-1 away win in Trinidad & Tobago on Friday, Honduras enters Matchday 8 tied with the USA on eight points, but sitting fourth due to a -7 goal differential.
  • Four Honduras players ply their trade in M.L.S, including the Houston Dynamo trio of Alberth Elis, Rommell Quioto and Oscar Boniek Garcia. Team captain Maynor Figueroa also features for FC Dallas.
  • Honduras will be without defender Emilio Izaguirre, who was sent off in Friday's win at Trinidad & Tobago after receiving two yellow cards.

 

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