USA 0:2 Honduras
SANDY, UTAH – USMNT’s hopes of qualifying for men’s Olympics were dealt a massive blow as they went down to a surprising 0-2 loss against loss against Honduras. Alberth Elis scored both goals for Honduras.
USA had breezed through the group-stage, comfortably defeating Cuba, Panama and Canada,. However, coming into the game, USMNT coach Andreas Herzog was wary of a dogged Hondruras side that fought tooth-and-nail against Mexico in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
As the game kicked off in an uncharacteristically sparse stadium at Rio Tinto, it was the underdogs who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Full-back Kevin Alvarez had found space down Honduras’ right flank and was able to pick out a cross for Alberth Elis in the box. The forward still had plenty to do – but he calmly chested the ball and finished past a hapless Ethan Hovath.
The goal was a little out-of-the blue in a largely cagey affair up to that point – nonetheless, it was a just reward for the Honduran endeavor in the early exchanges. Los Catrachos have been stretching the narrow USMNT midfield – particularly using the Alvarez/Elis relationship down the right flank,before the duo had eventually combined for the opener.
The Honduras midfield dropped a little deeper after going ahead, looking to close the space between the lines and negate the 4 v 3 numerical advantage that USMNT had at the center. Herzog’s side was carrying very little threat however, and their play in the first half lacked any cutting edge.
Coach Herzog brought on Gboly Ariyibi for Boyd Okwuonu at half-time, hoping to add some width to the US attacks. The move appeared to have paid some dividends, as the team in white began to get a foothold in the game. Carter-Vickers had an opportunity from a set-piece in the 64th minute, but his effort was saved by the Honduran keeper Luis Lopez.
Honduras had opportunities of their own – Alderth Elis, who had been lively all day, could have killed the game in the 64th minute – had his finish been more composed.
Soon enough, Elis more than made up for his earlier error, as in the 77th minute of play, the forward scored the crucial second goal for Honduras. Substitute Kevin Lopez had skipped past several US defenders to provide a low cross in the box, which was met with a neat finish by the Honduran forward.
The match soon took an ugly turn as both sides started to get involved in on-field melee and provocations. Tempers boiled in the touchline too, as Herzog and Tabora were involved in heated confrontations. Soon after, both coaches were ejected from the touchline.
More drama soon ensued – as a Jordan Morris goal in the 82nd minute was disallowed for offside. Replays showed that referee made an incorrect call on that occasion.
Nonetheless, the USMNT can have no complaints, as they simply did not create enough goal-scoring opportunities to trouble Honduras. The result leaves Andreas Herzog and his side with a mountain to climb to qualify for the Olympics – they have to win the 3rd place decider on Tuesday and then go to Rio de Janerio and defeat Colombia. Honduras, on the other hand, await the winner of Mexico/Canada as they seal their spot in next year’s Olympics.
