After one of the most challenging months in his professional career, it turns out some cooking did Clint Dempsey right. Back in his home state of Texas, the former skipper of the United States Men’s National Team showed why at the age of 32 he still an integral part of this squad. Despite not having a cool armband, Dempsey “led” his squad past Honduras on Tuesday night in their first match at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Dempsey struck first in the 24th minute thanks to a deflection off of a by Honduran goalkeeper Donis Escobar. Escobar kept U.S. forward Jozy Altidore’s shot from going into the back of the net but was unable to do the same for Dempsey’s header.
Prior to the Dempsey goal it appeared that Honduras would strike first. Led by the nimble play-making of midfielder Andy Najar, Honduras press the U.S.A.’s ight side of their defense seeking opportunity against right-back Timothy Chandler. In just the third minute of the match Honduran forward Anthony Lozano would finish off a pass by Najar, ripping a shot target that would eventually be saved by U.S.A. goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Najar would have his own shot in the sixth minute, a blast that was also on target but eventually saved by Guzan. With Honduras pressing an inexperienced and at times languid U.S. defense, Guzan was forced to make three critical saves. Honduras actually out-shot the United States 16-6 but found most of their opportunities go wide.
The U.S.A. would add another thanks Dempsey finishing off a Michael Bradley free kick in the 64th minute. Bradley’s swerving kick was laced perfectly for Dempsey who had no one but Escobar to beat. With his two goals Dempsey now has forty-five for his international career.
Although Jorge Luis Pinto’s side did an excellent job covering Dempsey and Altidore in the first half, the U.S.A. began to assert themselves more in the second forty-five. In particular, midfielder DeAndre Yedlin used his speed and improved dribbling ability to make several strong runs into Honduran territory.
Honduras would get one back in the 69th minute when substitute Carlos Discua got past the U.S. defense and slotted his shot past a diving Guzan. The goal was Discua’s first in his international career.
Los Catrachos would come close again in the 83rd minute when forward Eddie Hernandez had an opportunity at the top of the U.S.A. penalty box. But the Correcaminos striker hit his shot wide, costing Honduras the chance to get a point.
With the victory, the United States (1-0-0, 3 points) moves to the top of Group A. They will face Haiti (0-0-1, 1 point) on Friday. Meanwhile Honduras (0-1-0, 0 points) will take on Panama (0-0-1, 1 point) needing a win to keep their chances of topping the group alive. Both matches will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxbrough, Massachusetts.
