The United States and Honduras have produced two stellar goals in the first half of their World Cup qualifier from San Pedro Sula, though Los Catrachos' strike was the much better of the two. Clint Dempsey opened the scoring after a slow start from the USMNT, but Juan Carlos Garcia fired the hosts back into the match with a stunning bicycle kick, and it's all tied up at 1-1 through 45 minutes of play.
Honduras vs. USA: Halftime score 1-1, both teams score stellar goals
It took a few minutes for the USMNT's new-look back line, playing together as a unit for the first time, to get on the same page. Jerry Bengston had a brilliant chance in the 7th minute at the end of a quick counter that featured Omar Gonzalez and Geoff Cameron failing to hold the same line.
Honduras remained the aggressors through the first half, creating multiple solid chances. Fabian Johnson had to clear off the line from a Roger Espinosa cross in the 31st, and Tim Howard was forced into a tough save on a curled shot from Mario Martinez two minutes later.
Momentum appeared to do a complete 180-degree turn in the 36th minute, when Dempsey opened the scoring for the United States. Jermaine Jones set up the chance with a brilliant chipped diagonal ball over the top of the defense, and Dempsey beat the Honduras offside trap. He shot with his first touch, firing past Noel Valladares from 12 yards to put the USMNT ahead.
Unfortunately for the visitors, their lead lasted less than five minutes. Garcia's unstoppable, spectacular bicycle kick goal came at the end of a corner kick, which the United States failed to clear the firs time around. Maynor Figueroa provided the assist, putting the ball on a platter.
It’s been a scrappy first 45 minutes, with neither team establishing much of a rhythm, but Honduras have been the stronger side. The United States won’t be disappointed with a draw from this match, but will need to do a better job of keeping the ball in the second half.
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