The United States Men's National Team returns to its home soil in desperate need of a victory after suffering a 3-1 pasting at the hands Costa Rica on Wednesday. Bob Bradley's side lost virtually every battle against the Ticos, but can get back on track to qualify for its 6th straight World Cup with a win against yet another Central American side. The Americans will be without injured striker Brian Ching and hard-nosed midfielder Michael Bradley, who's suspended for the game because of yellow card accumulation. Despite these missing players, the U.S. should prevail and move a step closer to South Africa.
50,000 Strong?
Rather than play this match in a soccer-specific venue such as Columbus' Crew Stadium where U.S. supporters make up the majority, the United States Soccer Federation chose to hold Saturday's contest at Solider Field. Ticket sales for the game have flown past 50,000 and many of those fans will likely be supporting the visitors. The Red, White, and Blue were clearly intimidated by Saprissa's atmosphere -- who wouldn't be? -- and need the American supporters to be loud this weekend. Hopefully, the loyal crowd that could be heard through the din chanting "USA, USA" on ESPN's telecast during the Costa Rica match can lead the rallying cries once again.
Changing the guard
In the past, Bradley has made few changes to the Starting XI between games on double fixture dates. Expect that trend to change on Saturday, as the American manager needs to drastically alter the 4-3-3 that struggled in San Jose. For one, the younger Bradley needs to be replaced. Additionally, both Marvell Wynne and DaMarcus Beasley failed miserably on theflanks against Costa Rica and will see their positions filled by Jonathan Spector and Jonathan Bornstein, respectively. Up top, while Jozy Altidore is virtually a lock to get his third straight qualifying start, but the second striker slot remains up for grabs. With Brian Ching out, I see Bradley turning to Charlie Davies who played well in his 10 minutes on Wednesday. Other options include Major League Soccer player of the month Conor Casey, who was called in on Friday, or Donovan, who could be moved higher up the pitch while Beasley slides into the vacated left midfield spot.
Hardy Catrachos
Honduras, coming off a victory over Mexico in its last qualifying match, will be without injured star David Suazo and the suspended Julio Cesar de Leon, but still have plenty of talent in the likes of Wilson Palacios, team captain Amado Guevara, and brilliant finisher Carlo Costly. The Catrachos sit in third place, a solitary point ahead of Mexico, but have a knack for winning big games. With El Tri and the U.S. showing chinks in their previously unassailable armor, Honduras could avoid the dreaded fourth place finish in qualifying with a series of good results. The people of Honduras hope the run continues in Chicago.
Projected Honduras Lineup
------------ Valladares ----------
Sabillon -- Chavez -- Figueroa
---- Thomas --- Turcios --------
Palacios --- Guevara --- Nunez
------ Pavon ------ Costly -------
Projected U.S. Lineup
------------------------ Howard -------------------
Spector -- Onyewu -- Bocanegra -- Bornstein
Dempsey -- Torres -- Mastroeni -- Donovan
----------- Altidore ------------- Davies ---------
Goal.com prediction: United States 2-1 Honduras
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