The U.S. men's national team has played Honduras three times this year, but none of the previous meetings will be as tough for the Americans as the fourth meeting, this Saturday in San Pedro Sula.
It won't just be the toughest because it is in Honduras, but because Honduras will be featuring a strong side than any the Americans have faced this year.
Yes, the 'Catrachos' will be without starters Amado Guevara and Danilo Turcios, but won't miss a step because of depth at both positions. In fact, even without those two starters, Honduras head coach Reinaldo Rueda still has plenty of options and tough decisions to make about his lineup.
For the Americans, Bob Bradley has two decisions that will dominate his lineup selection, at right midfield and right wing.
Here is a closer look at Saturday's match-up:
For the USA, Bradley must decide whether to use Stuart Holden at right wing, or go with Benny Feilhaber or Jose Francisco Torres as options to replace injured starter Clint Dempsey. Holden is the favorite to be the choice.
At right back, Bradley has Steve Cherundolo and Jonathan Spector to pick from. Cherundolo has been playing well for Hannover 96 while Spector hasn't been playing regularly for West Ham, which means Cherundolo should get the nod. Whether Spector will get consideration at left back, where Jonathan Bornstein is expected to start, remains to be seen.
Those might not be the only potential moves Bradley could make for Saturday's match. Jozy Altidore's lack of playing time at Hull makes his status as a starter less of a lock. With a wing tandem of Landon Donovan and Stuart Holden, Bob Bradley could be tempted to go with veteran Brian Ching as Charlie Davies' strike partner. Ching has a good understanding with both Donovan and Holden, but Altidore is clearly the more dangerous forward of the two and should get the nod.
For Honduras, the lineup decisions revolve around the forward line and the midfield.
In midfield, Rueda has two options to replace Guevara. He could start the central midfield tandem of Wilson Palacios and Hendry Thomas, which would likely mean that speedy winger Edgard Alvarez starts on the right. Rueda could also go with a more offensive-minded midfield by starting Ramon Nunez in front of Thomas, with Palacios starting on the right. look for the more offensive-minded lineup to get the nod at home.
Rueda has a decision to make at forward as well, where three quality strikers vie for two spots. David Suazo is reportedly healthy and should start if he is. That leaves Rueda to decide between veteran Carlos Pavon and the more dynamic Carlos Costly. While Costly may be more talented, Pavon has been a revelation in this qualifying cycle and been the more reliable goal-scorer.
Here are the lineups we expect to see on Saturday:
———————–Valladares——————————–
Sabillon——-Chavez———–Figueroa———–Izaguirre
==========Altidore=======Davies==============
————————–Thomas——————————–
Palacios—————————————————–Leon
Donovan===============================Holden
—————————Nunez———————————
==========Bradley======Clark=================
——————-Pavon———–Suazo————————-
Bornstein===Bocanegra=====Onyewu=====Cherundolo
=================Howard====================
———–
KEY MATCH-UPS TO WATCH
Charlie Davies vs. Maynor Figueroa. Davies speed causes trouble for most central defenders, but Figueroa has the quickness to keep up, certainly moreso than the bigger but slower Osman Chavez, who should pair up with Altidore or Ching.
Stuart Holden vs. Julio Leon. If Holden gets the nod, part of the reason will be because of his ability to be a solid two-way winger, something that will be needed to combat the dynamic ability of Leon, who will be a key creator for Honduras. Defending isn't Holden's only task, in fact, his ability to get forward and be a threat with great crosses and runs will force Leon to defend some.
Landon Donovan vs. Wilson Palacios. If Rueda deploys Palacios on the right wing, part of the reason will be in order to try and neutralize Donovan. With Sabillon posing a threat on the counterattack, Donovan will also need to help Bornstein (or Spector) defensively as well. This match-up alone is worth the price of admission and Donovan will need to win this match-up if the Americans are going to pull off the road win.
Carlos Bocanegra vs. David Suazo. Whether it is Bocanegra or Onyewu, someone will need to stay close to the fast and strong Inter Milan striker. Suazo has battled injuries and isn't on top form, but is still Honduras' most dangerous forward, and could have a big day if the U.S. midfield loses the battle in the middle.
Ricardo Clark vs. Ramon Nunez. MLS fans might be surprised to see Nunez be such a key for Honduras, but the former FC Dallas midfielder has enjoyed a career renaissance since leaving MLS and now plies his trade at Mexican club Cruz Azul. Nunez is a truly dangerous playmaker who can pick a defense apart with his passing or darting runs. Clark is no stranger to Nunez and must do his best to shackle the Honduran playmaker. If Rueda goes with a Palacios-Thomas central midfield tandem, Clark will have an equally tough challenge in Palacios.
————-—
The Americans will need to shut down playmakers Leon and Nunez to keep Honduras strikers from getting going early, while Donovan and Holden must be able to push the Honduran defense and create their own chances for Davies and Altidore (or Ching). If Leon and Nunez are neutralized, Honduras could feel the heat of needing a result,which could open the door for the Americans to find success on the counterattack in the second half. The first 20-25 minutes will be crucial because Honduras is almost certain to come out strong. If the Americans can hold firm, it can slowly take control of the match and take the San Pedro Sula crowd out of the match. If Honduras finds success early, the U.S. team could be in for a long day.
————–
What do you think of the USA-Honduras match? What do you see being the keys to the game? Do you see the Americans clinching there World Cup berth?
Share your thoughts below.
I would try watching an earlier event on that site because alot of times these streams are on pay per view basis there is a ton of websites out there streaming soccer games just google it!
Alex… I saw that on atdhe.net, too. Does anyone know if they will really be able to get a stream? I was actually just planning on seeing the video on mysoccerplace.net after the fact.
We lose- it comes down to Costa Rica -plain and simple.
I just looked on atdhe.net
I shows usa vs honduras game listed to be shown. Is it too good to be true?
FREEEEE USA vs Hon at PIZZA HUT PARK IN DALLAS TEXAS!!!!!WOOOHOOOO!! FREE PARKING TOO!!! Damn, things are just great in TEXAS!! 🙂 … sorry, I just had to rub it in!
one word howard boy. one of the best goalkeepers in the world. in the confedrations cup it show it. mexico got lucky the refree call a bad game aganist usa. if not usa would have one for the first time. if usa score in mexico in about 8 minutes y cant we do it in honduras. come one bro not even honduras score in mexico all they did was defend. and they say that have the strongest team ever!!!!!!!!!. and they dont have guevera, they have depth but he is there leader like how donovan is to usa. but what i do like about honduras is that they got a strong defense it show it in mexico.
USA vs. Honduras Viewing Party in Los Angeles!!
Closed Circuit English Broadcast
Cook N’ Bull Pub
Sat Oct 10, 6:30 pm
2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, 90405
(310) 399-9696
Wear your USA jersey and wear red!!
http://www.futbolxpc.com/senal.html
Great preview Ives. This is going to be an incredible game and is an example of the strides being made in CONCACAF. Could we imagine this type of quality on the field in a Hon-US game only a few years ago? Can’t wait.
This sucks this might be the first time I’ve missed a USA match since 2004 but I’m confident the US will win 2-1 or 1-0.
Hey Ives,
Buy poor Grant Wahl a beer for us would you. Thanks.
(SBI-Reached out to Grant tonight and it sounds as though he’s doing okay.)
“Anyone know what is going on with Jozy? It seems he’s not starting, not making the bench with Hull. At 19, that is no shame at all.”
In the last game it appeared that Hull played a 4-5-1 with the other guy up top, partially because Altidore does not play target forward as well. THat might be true of the last couple of games. I guess Jozy needs to channel his inner Ching.
roysterer, I think what he means is that even though a road team seeking a victory should get possession(although I don’t believe that to be true), Bob Bradley will try to play boot and bunker.
How do you reconcile your contention that “a road team needs possession in order to have any chance at a win” with your later statement that “Bradley will try to bunker and counter”?
Unless maybe you think boot it up the field means aimless clearances rather than long passes directed at attacking players (which is ideally what clearances are).
Really not much to be said here. I’d say 1-0 off a Altidore goal.
Boot it up the field is the way to go. It’s not pretty, but nothing is prettier than a win.
Posted by: roysterer | October 09, 2009 at 06:22 PM
I beg to differ. Pretty sure a road team needs possession in order to have any chance at a win (see Azteca, El Salvador), if for no reason other than to take pressure off the defense. Keeping pressure off the defense
is going to be the main issue, especially with the forwards that Honduras has and our defense struggling to keep clean sheets lately.
We will see Ching and Bornstein in the lineup despite the fact that neither really deserves it, this is a road game, and Bradley will try to bunker and counter. If we are going to get a result Gooch, Bradley and Donovan are going to have to play out of their minds, and solid performances from whoever plays out of Holden/Feilhaber/Torres if we are going to have a chance.
Anyone know what is going on with Jozy? It seems he’s not starting, not making the bench with Hull. At 19, that is no shame at all. However, has he got the bit between he teeth recognizing how good he has got to make himself to succeed at top level soccer? I think he’s got potential, but then lots of players you’ll never hear of had potential.
Posted by: News: US Soccer wins the Noble Pitch Prize | October 09, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Since when is he not making the bench? He’s played at least some in almost every match except their last one, when it looked like he might be coming on right before JVoH scored on 60 minutes.
And San Pedro Sula is 83m above sea level, so no oxygen deprivation issues….
Boot it up the field is the way to go. It’s not pretty, but nothing is prettier than a win.
Said George Busch, “nothing more, nothing more”
I guess I have to figure how I am going to watch this. I am praying for a last minute internet feed. Kinda like a rave where you don’t know where to go until it’s time to go.
Bornstein is garbage.
Anyone know what is going on with Jozy? It seems he’s not starting, not making the bench with Hull. At 19, that is no shame at all. However, has he got the bit between he teeth recognizing how good he has got to make himself to succeed at top level soccer? I think he’s got potential, but then lots of players you’ll never hear of had potential.
I was terribly unimpressed by Honduras at Mexico City, but I am assuming they are really coming to play this weekend and I think this could be another ugly for us (US).
I see little creative play coming out of the prospective USA line-up above – that’s a boot it up the field plan, isn’t it. Hope I’m wrong.
And I hope the boys have their winged cleats with them. What altitude is San Pedro Sula?
I know that there is a lot of hate for Clint, but he is the man when we need him. I’m going to miss his presence on the field.
I want to win.
Will be @ Cock in Bull in Santa Monica.
I don’t know who eric wanalda is but
Eric Wynalda is a f’n God. So watch your mouth.
Seriously, We need more options at LB.
@E they clearly wanted it to be closed circuit so they could charge whatever they want , I don’t blame espn, if your price is too high it makes no sense. Anybody else find eric wanalda’s criticism f espn nt picking up the game hilarious, seeing how he works for a channel that caters only too soccer and they didn’t even bid for the game. Laughable!
and see you @ the 810 Zone KCB. I’m getting amped.
According to the Washington Post the rights were offered to ESPN, but they didn’t want to pony up the $ for it.
In all five of Ives’s matchups, we see midfielder vs. midfielder, or forward vs. central defender.
But in a lot of games, the most interesting matchups are the wide midfielders vs. the opposing fullbacks. If I was watching the game, that’s what I would pay attention to: can Holden (if he starts) and Donovan put enough pressure that the fullbacks have to sit back? And can Bornstein (if he starts) and Cherundolo get into the attack — or would that leave us too vulnerable to the counter?
I have confidence in our center backs’ ability to deny shots in a grinding game, but that’s entirely dependent on the other defenders’ and midfielders’ ability to deny quality crosses and through-balls.
But what I fear more than anything is the repeated loss of possession when we try to move the ball forward (see: game at Azteca).
I really hope Bornstein doesn’t start and that Bob finally gives Spector the chance to start on the left, but hey I’m not getting my hopes up
SBI – “Ching over Altidore because of Altidore’s lack of playing time?” – Sure, if you’re playing for a tie. But the US defense isn’t organized enough to take that approach, we’ve watched them try in Azteca and to a lesser extent against El Sal and T&T the last 2 games. TOO MANY HOLES. TOO POOR MARKING. NOT ENOUGH POSSESSION.
Ching is a roster spot nothing more, serviceable as a late game defensive replacement nothing more.
the honduras federation didnt screw anyone. blame it on your tv stations that didnt want to buy it because they wouldnt make money off of it.
PS> Screw Honduran greed for making me miss this match. GO USA
Honduran press indicates that Melvin Valladares will be playing as the #10. Some fans very upset because they’d rather see Rambo or Edgardo Alvarez.
http://www.laprensahn.com/content/view/full_d11/324051
COME ON YOU YANKS!
While closed-circuit TV sucks in general, it should create a great atmosphere in the places showing the match, especially in places like KC which has only one spot showing the match for hundreds of miles around. With both Americans and Hondurans showing up at the same places to watch the match in the States, it should be a fun time, unless we lose of course.
It will be interesting how BB plays his cards with all of the yellow cards. Nonetheless, I believe the U.S. takes care of business Honduras.
anyone know a website to watch the match on?
i would like to see torres in one half and holden in the other. i would also like to see hejduk instead of cherundolo.
Ives, which players will get suspended for Costa Rica if they get yellows?
Brian – US Soccer had nothing to do with it. It was Honduras’ soccer federation that screwed everyone on this one.
ag nigrin- you did notice my little :=D ? I was being a bit tongue in cheek. Seriously, I think this one is too tough to predict.
brian, it has nothing to do with the USSF being cheap. Have you not read any of the material on why it is only on pay per view/closed circuit.
Now, back to my original point, where it’s 30 hours from kick, and I just become a fan… VAMOS YANQUIS!!!
brian,
the failure to televise has nothing to do with US soccer being cheap. Honduras owns the rights and has only released it on closed circuit. if it was offered to ESPN, I have no doubt that it would have been picked up.
anyway, Ives, I wish you were wrong about clark and (potentially) Ching starting, but we all know that BB would unfortunately rather play “not to lose” than “to win”
Go USA!??? 🙂
Peretz48… Wtf do U20 results have to do with the USMNT? Absolutely Nothing! Nada! Rien!
I still think the pressure will really be on Honduras and they are notorious chokers! So anything could happen including a Ticos lose or tie with T+T. The heat and the ref will be determining factors in Honduras. If Moreno is the ref the USA could get screwed
again. Hopefully ref karma will be on the USA’s side tomorrow!
As I said before, USA only needs a draw tomorrow to qualify to the WC
the us will struggle to pull off a 1-1 tie, but i may not be watching due to the US soccer being cheap and not televising the game. what a joke. this is how it used to be in the early 90’s
I’ll admit I’m an optimist but I think the USA will clinch a World Cup berth against Honduras. With Donovan and Holden on the wings we will have serious threats from both sides. I’d go with Altidore in the box and I think he could have a great game with the crosses he will be getting.
I see a 0-3 scoreline, since it has now taken the place of ‘dos a cero’ (see U20s) as the universal scoreline for U.S. nat’l teams. :=D
plese, not bornstein. play hey dude instead.
While I am somewhat optimistic, the fact that this game is in San Pedro Sula and that Honduras has such a strong team make it unlikely that we will get more than a tie from this game unless we are very lucky or play an exceptional game. Either would be fine with me as it is always best to avoid a do or die single game if we don’t win (assuming CR wins vs T&T).
Go USA!!
None of the replacements are able to replace Guevara. He is a different type of player than the rest of Honduras midfielders. Moreover, he is the captain and vocal leader on the field. Honduras will have a tougher time filling his role as a captain.
I will be a bit surprised if Suazo starts, Costly has been effective in Qualifying.
(SBI-Amado is definitely a calming presence in midfield, but if Honduras is going to go after the USA and attack them, Nunez and Leon are capable of doing that job while Thomas provides a major anchor behind them. Amado is good, but him not being there won’t be what keeps Honduras from winning this game. As for Suazo, if he’s fully fit, he starts over Costly.)
starting bornstein would be a mistake.