Good endings often come from small beginnings. The US Men’s National Team surely started out small.
Team USA conceded two unanswered goals, and gave away a victory in a 2-1 defeat to Honduras. The loss at the Olimpico Metropolitano left the U.S at the bottom of the hexagonal standings. Jurgen Klinsmann played an open 4-3-3 formation, with Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, and comeback-kid Eddie Johnson. Klinsmann started a new defensive combination, one that could present the future of U.S. soccer. Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson, Omar Gonzalez, and Timothy Chandler started in front of Tim Howard. With the appearance, Chandler became tied to the U.S. national team. He previously ignited a dispute over his loyalty between Germany and the U.S.
The first half slugged along, with minimal action arising. Suddenly, Forward Clint Dempsey put Team USA ahead in the 36th minute. Dempsey scored from nine yards out, from the right side of the box. Dempsey received a pass from Midfielder Jermaine Jones, and gave his team the lead. Juan Garcia scored a chance created by Maynor Figueroa, and the score stood level going into halftime.
The game remained mostly quiet throughout, a tribute to the play of the young defense. Of 12 overall shots, only four were on target. Unfortunately, it all unraveled in the end. In the 79th minute, Jerry Bengtson scored from 10 yards out. Honduras walked off the pitch victorious, and atop the Hexagonal standings.
Team USA sits at the bottom of the standings, and will host Costa Rica on March 22nd. The two teams will play out West, with a 12:00 AM ET kickoff scheduled.
