The USA and Honduras faced each other in the semi finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup of 2009. The game took place in Soldier’s Field in Chicago, Illinois before a packed stadium. This was a now or never situation for both countries.

Honduras needed a win in order to have the possibility of classification for the 2010 World Cup. The USA needed a win to classify and to keep alive the hopes and dreams of those who support the US Soccer Team.

According to the FIFA Coca Cola Classifications for July 2009, Honduras is currently in 39th place with 753 points while the USA is in 12th place with 983 points. The USA has played against Honduras 16 times with ten victories, three losses, and three draws.

The First Half started with little ceremony but with both teams electrically charged and competing for posession of the ball and the game. The USA and Honduras offered resistance with neither side giving up or giving in [using a phrase from a disco song recorded by The Three Degrees in the 1970’s].

Carlos Costly almost scored a goal within 14 minutes for Honduras when he saw the ball abandoned in front of the goal post. He kicked the ball but the goalkeeper for the USA Troy Perkins responded with a foot kick towards the open field.

Martin Chavez within 19 minutes attempted a surprise goal but was blocked by Perkins in a surprise response. The game continued its intensity with both teams alternating the ball. There were also one caution for misconduct issued against Logan Pause of the US Team.

The response galvanized the team until Clarence Goodson [defense] scored the first goal of the game at 45 minutes. Stuart Holden did a corner kick towards Goodson who deflected the ball with his head toward the goal post and score. The USA was able to close the first half with a number on the scoreboard.

The second half was a continuation of the first half with both teams playing for dominance and Honduras attempting either an equalizer or a come from behind victory. In the process, both teams made costly mistakes which resulted in caution for Beckerman and Arnaud of the USA as well as Costly for Honduras.

Costly will have to miss one game and the underwriter is of the opinion that he was victimized by the referees. The person who tripped him should have received the caution but again the decision was made and it was final.

Both teams felt the pressure and the fatigue that accompanied it. The substitutions did not help much nor did the pressure of the public who were becoming increasingly inpatient. Finally at the end of the second half, Cooper substituted for Arnaud who was beyong exhausted.

Cooper scored the second goal of the game and with that the US is now in the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009. In the other semifinal, Mexico defeated Costa Rica in overtime.

USA 2-0 Honduras

CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009

Soldier’s Field

Chicago, Illinois

Most Valued Player was Stuart Holden for his contribution in making the two goals for the US Soccer Team possible.