USA victory against Honduras crucial to 2018 World Cup qualification hopes

Borussia Dortmund 18-year-old Christian Pulisic was sensational for the U.S. vs. Honduras Friday night in World Cup qualifying, scoring a goal, assisting on two more and having a considerable overall influence on the match as the US rolled to a 6-0 triumph. Geoff Cameron played great in right back clearing nearly every ball that came his way.

He said: “Man, he’s a great player, He can beat people one-on-one on the dribble and creates mismatches because of that”. It is great to have someone who can win that individual battle and break teams open. That was all the time it took for Pulisic to slide the coolest of finishes under Donis Escober, following another exquisite flick forward from Altidore.

The Borussia Dortmund player ran the midfield and was magnificent, showing that he is the leader of the next generation of world football talent. Acosta netted three superb goals in CONCACAF Champions League games in addition to a goal in FC Dallas’ MLS opener against the Galaxy.

Going into the half, I reflected on the last three minutes of the game. “In Landon, we saw a player have a tremendous career, both at the club and the worldwide levels, and Christian is just starting”.

His player responded. They understood their roles and knew where their teammates were going to be. Pulisic has worn the number 10 shirt for the last few months; he completely earned it tonight.

United States head coach Bruce Arena kicks a ball during a training session in preparation for a World Cup qualifying soccer match Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Arena did not hesitate to compare Pulisic today with the Donovan of yesteryear. The Americans had already qualified and the Canaleros were within minutes of a first World Cup appearance at the expense of Mexico when their world caved in.

“He was an idol of mine”, Pulisic said.

So the message circulating amongst Arena and the players is basically, as fun as Friday was, Tuesday is another test.

Just after halftime, Pulisic and Dempsey both scored from close range before Dempsey powered in a free-kick screamer.

In only his second start for the U.S., Lletget could not have picked a better place to score his first worldwide goal. The U.S. scored some majestic and mind-bending goals.s. Winning this game would be a huge step forward and it is doable, especially with the home-field advantage.

“I have this copyrighted, but it was something to the effect of: first shot, first tackle, first goal”, the returning coach said. U.S. Soccer confirmed later that Lletget will undergo a scan to determine the severity of the injury. “You develop a philosophy that you think will work for the group”. And for an 18-year-old American to do it? “So it’s a natural evolution, and I’m glad it’s happening”.

The frenzy part comes after the American team lost its first two matches (vs. Mexico and at Costa Rica) in the Hexagonal, the final round of regional qualifying that will send the top three finishers to Russian Federation next year and a fourth to a playoff for another spot in the 32-team field.

Arena has assembled a team that is legitimately good. He was given the green light at the beginning of this season, but whether his match fitness is enough for the global level remains to be seen.

Clint Dempsey (8) was the best player on the pitch Friday night against Honduras, and will continue to play a large role in the U.S.’ bid toward the World Cup.

“He does remind of Landon, but he has a long way to go before he gets to stand next to Landon”, Arena said. “We’ll see where it goes”.