USA U23s vs. Honduras U23s
4:42
Welcome to SoccerTicker's coverage of the U23 CONCACAF final between USA and Honduras.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:42 
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Both teams have successfully qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing after winning their semifinal matchups.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:43 
4:43
Honduras dispatched of Guatemala by way of a penalty shootout.  After a 0-0 regulation and overtime scoreline, the penalties were decided in the 7th round of shots with Honduras pipping Guatemala 6-5.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:43 
4:44
The USA took on Canada in the other semifinal, and got two goals from Freddy Adu and one from Sacha Kljestan to claim a 3-0 victory.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:44 
4:46
The USA and Honduras faced each other in the group stage of the tournament, with both sides fielding a B team.  The USA won on the strength of an Eddie Gaven penalty late in the game.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:46 
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The USA will be without Sal Zizzo, Freddy Adu, Jonathan Spector, and Charlie Davies as they have all headed back to their European clubs.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:47 
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Freddy Adu is the leading goalscorer in the tournament, with 4 goals in 3 games.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:47 
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Adu, along with teammates Dax McCarty, Maurice Edu, and Michael Orozco earned first team all tournament honors.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:48 
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Meanwhile, Sacha Kljestan garnered honorable mention notice.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:48 
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The USA will come out in a 4-4-2
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In goal is Dominic Cervi
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:50 
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The backline consists of Kamani Hill, Patrick Ianni, Michael Orozco, and Nathan Sturgis
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:50 
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Eddie Gaven, Hunter Freeman, Sacha Kljestan, and Stuart Holden make up the midfield
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:51 
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And up top are Robbie Findley and Chad Barrett
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:51 
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Seitz, Wynne, Edu, McCarty, and Altidore start on the bench.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:52 
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In the early game, Canada beat Guatemala in a penalty shootout
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:54 
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It ended 0-0 in regulation and they went straight to the shootout, where Canada won 5-3
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:54 
4:55
Second match in a row Guatemala lost in a shootout.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:55 
4:56
Who will win
Honduras
 ( 33% )
USA
 ( 67% )

Sunday March 23, 2008 4:56 
4:56
Vote in the poll and post your comments, thoughts, or questions about the game in the comment box below.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:56 
4:59
The winner of today's game will earn a higher seed in the olympic tournament itself.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:59 
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The olympic tournament draw will be held on April 20.
Sunday March 23, 2008 4:59 
5:00
In the group stage, USA drew Cuba 1-1, beat Panama 1-0 and beat Honduras 1-0.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:00 
5:00
Honduras beat Panama 1-0 and Cuba 2-0 before the loss to the USA.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:00 
5:01
All 20 of the USA players saw time in the tournament.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:01 
5:02
Jonathan Spector was the last to see time, as he flew in from England for the semifinal match only.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:02 
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He flew back to England the day after the semifinal, and already came in as a substitute for West Ham in their match yesterday against Everton.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:02 
5:04
During the tournament, Freddy Adu, Jonathan Spector, and Michael Orozco made their U23 debuts.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:04 
5:05
The match is about to start.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:05 
5:06
And we're underway.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:06 
5:06
USA with the early possession
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:06 
5:07
Throw in for the USA deep in Honduras territory.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:07 
5:08
A cross by Holden is weakly headed away by Honduras, it falls to Sturgis who's shot is blocked.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:08 
5:08
Honduras offside.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:08 
5:10
US pressure forces Honduras to play back.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:10 
5:10
Stuart Holden is fouled in midfield
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:10 
5:11
Findley gets a cross off from the right side of the box and it goes way too far.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:11 
5:12
Sturgis is fouled 45 yards out.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:12 
5:12
Cross by USA goes over the endline.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:12 
5:12
Findley again with the poor cross.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:12 
5:13
Comments or questions, leave in the space below.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:13 
5:15
Honduras has possession in the box but a foul is called.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:15 
5:15
Dangerous moment for the USA.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:15 
5:15
The foul was on Honduras.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:15 
5:15
[Comment From CornballerCornballer: ] 
Not sure how many people are tuning in today, but I guess seeding will hinge on this game? Seitz, Edu, Wynne, McCarty, and Altdore on the bench if necessary.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:15 Cornballer
5:15
Seeding does hinge on this game.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:15 
5:16
Honduras throw in is headed into the box, but USA clears.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:16 
5:17
Honduras controlling most of the play as of late.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:17 
5:18
Gaven long ball intended for Barrett gets cut out by the Honduran defender.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:18 
5:18
It is played back to the goalkeeper and cleared.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:18 
5:19
Barrett shot goes wide of the Honduran goal.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:19 
5:19
It hit the side of the goal.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:19 
5:20
Sturgis clears with an overhead kick.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:20 
5:20
[Comment From CornballerCornballer: ] 
Nice pass from Findley there to spring Barrett.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:20 Cornballer
5:21
Indeed...after two early crosses that went awry, it was nice to see Findley send a good pass on the ground.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:21 
5:21
Kamani Hill is fouled near the center circle.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:21 
5:22
Orozco commits a foul 45 yards from the USA goal.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:22 
5:22
Nothing amounts from the free kick.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:22 
5:22
Another Honduras free kick from well out coming up
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:22 
5:23
It is sent in and Cervi does well to punch away.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:23 
5:23
Going the other way, Honduran goalkeeper Hernandez cuts out a pass intended for Findley.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:23 
5:24
Lopez shot from distance goes just high and wide.  He did well to split a couple of defenders.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:24 
5:24
USA gives away possession while not under pressure.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:24 
5:25
Freeman is down.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:25 
5:26
Advantage was played until another foul was committed on Gaven.  The ref goes back and books Molina for the challenge on Gaven.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:26 
5:26
Stretcher is out for Freeman.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:26 
5:27
Freeman is off the field and up gingerly on his feet.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:27 
5:28
Orozco long ball for Findley who can't beat 3 defenders.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:28 
5:29
Shot from the top right of the box by Holden goes well wide.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:29 
5:30
Edu looks to come on for the injured Freeman.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:30 
5:31
Edu is now on.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:31 
5:32
Pace is considerably slower now.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:32 
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And then Holden shoots and it is saved by Hernandez.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:32 
5:33
Barrett fouls a Honduran defender in the Honduras box.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:33 
5:33
Orozco fouls in midfield.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:33 
5:35
Edu with a nice move in midfield but his resulting pass lacked accuracy.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:35 
5:35
Corner coming up for Honduras.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:35 
5:36
Corner is cleared out and Honduras fouls.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:36 
5:36
Holden nice ball for Findley, who lays for Barrett and Barrett shoots just high/wide.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:36 
5:36
Nice sequence there for the USA.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:36 
5:37
USA deep throw in, won by Honduras.  They escape pressure nicely.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:37 
5:38
Holden Findley Holden Kljestan Edu who shoots and Hernandez parries for a corner.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:38 
5:38
Another nice sequence of passing.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:38 
5:39
Barrett heads the corner wide of goal
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:39 
5:39
Honduras has to clear another dangerous ball into the box.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:39 
5:41
Barrett across for Holden, Morales just gets to it to give up a corner
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:41 
5:41
Throw in actually.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:41 
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And off the throw USA earn a corner.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:41 
5:41
USA fouls on the corner.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:41 
5:42
Barrett cuts along the top of the box.  His shot is blocked but it falls back for Edu who shoots just wide.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:42 
5:44
Honduras has trouble clearing, but Kljestan acnnot beat his man and Hondruas finally clear.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:44 
5:45
Gaven earns a free kick from about 35 yards out.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:45 
5:46
Another throw in deep for the USA
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:46 
5:46
Edu skies a shot.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:46 
5:46
[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ] 
How has possession been so far in this first half?
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:46 Jimmy
5:46
USA controlled the first 5 minutes, then Honduras controlled the next 5.  For the next 10 minutes is was back and forth, and now it's been all USA.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:46 
5:47
41st minute now.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:47 
5:47
Honduras earns a free kick near the sideline in the US zone.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:47 
5:48
Honduras foul on the ball in.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:48 
5:49
Great run by Findley and he lays off for Kljestan.  USA keep poessession.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:49 
5:49
And finally lose possession with a poor through ball.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:49 
5:50
Kamani Hill commits a foul 45 yards out, center of the pitch.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:50 
5:51
2 minutes stoppage time.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:51 
5:51
Edu is fouled by Sanchez who earns himself a yellow.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:51 
5:52
USA cannot hook up on the cross and Honduras counter.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:52 
5:52
Their counter is stalled as the US get back and Honduras lose possession and promptly foul.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:52 
5:53
halftime.
Sunday March 23, 2008 5:53 
6:06
Second half will start shortly.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:06 
6:08
USA has made one change.  Maurice Edu came on for the injured Hunter Freeman
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:08 
6:09
Underway with the second half.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:09 
6:10
USA shot is blocked.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:10 
6:11
USA are forced to play back to Cervi, who has not had much to do today.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:11 
6:12
USA foul near the midfield stripe
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:12 
6:12
USA lose the ball out for a Honduras goal kick.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:12 
6:13
Findley loses the ball out on the sideline trying a dribble move.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:13 
6:14
Sturgis cross into the box is headed away.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:14 
6:15
Findley gets called for a foul in the Honduras box.  He hooked the defender with his arm.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:15 
6:16
USA foul in the Honduras zone.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:16 
6:17
Honduras have not seen much of the ball this half.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:17 
6:18
Cervi comes out sliding to cut off a ball, but loses it...
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:18 
6:18
the ball falls to a Honduras player who shoots on goal with Cervi out.  It's cleared off the line!
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:18 
6:18
Another shot is sent in with Cervi still trying to recover, but goes wide.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:18 
6:18
Cervi should not have spilled that ball.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:18 
6:20
Honduras earn a free kick at the top left of the US box.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:20 
6:21
Hits the wall.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:21 
6:22
Edu Findley Gaven Barrett, who lays off for Holden and the shot is blocked for a corner.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:22 
6:23
Another nice sequence for the USA which they had a few of in the first half.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:23 
6:23
Kamani Hill shoots wide.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:23 
6:24
Honduras shot from a bad angle is slow and easy for Cervi to handle.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:24 
6:26
USA lots of quality possession and passing.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:26 
6:28
Sturgis fouls near the sideline deep in the USA zone.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:28 
6:28
The free kick is sent in and bounces inside the 6 yard box.  Cervi did not have anyone near and didn't catch, almost giving up a shot.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:28 
6:29
Honduras relieve more pressure.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:29 
6:30
But their throw in loses possession.

USA shot blocked, it was a weak attempt anyway.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:30 
6:30
And finally USA lose the ball out near the corner flag for a Honduras throw.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:30 
6:31
With all the possession, USA could have had a goal or two.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:31 
6:31
But the finishing hasn't been there.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:31 
6:31
Stuart Holden earns a yellow for dissent.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:31 
6:33
Gaven fouls in the midfield after losing possession.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:33 
6:33
And Honduras sriker Welcom misses a header just wide.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:33 
6:34
USA foul 50 yards from goal
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:34 
6:34
Free kick is headed out, and Honduras get called for a handball.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:34 
6:35
Barrett cross for Findley right in front of goal...
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:35 
6:35
Findley header goes straight down and bounces up and off the crossbar.  Honduras clear for a corner.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:35 
6:36
Corner doesn't amount to much.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:36 
6:38
Back and forth now.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:38 
6:39
Honduras clear away another dangerous US attack.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:39 
6:40
Cervi does well to cut out a cross.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:40 
6:41
Quick US counter sees a ball for Findley, but Honduras get to the ball first.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:41 
6:42
Gaven shot right at Hernandez who saves comfortably.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:42 
6:44
Altidore in for Barrett.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:44 
6:44
78th minute
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:44 
6:45
This game seems destined for penalties.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:45 
6:45
Altidore may change that yet.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:45 
6:45
Honduras free kick after a foul by Orozco.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:45 
6:46
Free kick is not well taken.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:46 
6:47
Yellow on Honduras and a free kick for USA after Holden is taken down.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:47 
6:47
Should be a shot on goal attempt coming up.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:47 
6:47
Actually it is crossed in and headed away.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:47 
6:48
Ianni heads clear a cross from Honduras.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:48 
6:50
USA goal kick after some Honduran pressure.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:50 
6:50
Holden avoids a yellow after a dangerous tackle on Morales.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:50 
6:50
That would have been his second yellow.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:50 
6:52
Getting chippy now.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:52 
6:53
Marvell Wynne in for Stuart Holden.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:53 
6:53
entering the 90th minute.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:53 
6:54
Corner for Honduras.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:54 
6:54
Poor corner, it goes out before it ever went in.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:54 
6:54
[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ] 
What is USA's formation now like with Wynne in?
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:54 Jimmy
6:55
Kamani Hill will push up to the right mid spot.  It will stay 4-4-2
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:55 
6:55
USA free kick from a good spot.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:55 
6:55
Service in finds nobody.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:55 
6:55
USA throw in Honduras territory.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:55 
6:55
92nd minute now.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:55 
6:56
Flurry in front of the Honduras goal
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:56 
6:56
Jozy gets the ball near the spot, but is well defended.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:56 
6:56
Lays off for Kljestan who cannot get a shot off and loses possession.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:56 
6:56
last minute of added time.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:56 
6:57
USA free kick.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:57 
6:57
dying seconds.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:57 
6:57
Shooting opportunity.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:57 
6:57
Kljestan off the wall.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:57 
6:58
And on to extra time.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:58 
6:58
Who will win
USA in extra time
 ( 40% )
Honduras in extra time
 ( 0% )
USA in penalties
 ( 20% )
Honduras in penalties.
 ( 40% )

Sunday March 23, 2008 6:58 
6:59
Comments or questions as we head into extra time.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:59 
6:59
This is the second straight game that ended 0-0 in regulation, as Canada beat Guatemala in a shootout after a 0-0 scoreline.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:59 
6:59
However, that game went straight to penalties after the PKs.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:59 
6:59
[Comment From TimTim: ] 
I thought it went straight to pks...the last match did
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:59 Tim
6:59
The 3rd place match did, this will not.  The third place match had time constraints and less importance.
Sunday March 23, 2008 6:59 
7:01
USA have used all three subs.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:01 
7:02
USA lineup

Cervi; Wynne, Orozco, Ianni, Sturgis; Hill, Kljestan, Edu, Gaven; Altidore, Findley.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:02 
7:03
Extra time is underway.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:03 
7:03
60% say the USA will win in either penalties or extra time.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:03 
7:04
Chippy off the bat, as there is a tussle in midfield between Findley and a Honduran midfielder.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:04 
7:05
Kamani Hill lays off for Kljestan, who takes too much time to shoot and when he does gets off a poor attempt.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:05 
7:06
Gaven cross in bounces on the ground and is cleared away.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:06 
7:07
Kamani Hill wins a throw near the corner flag for the USA.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:07 
7:08
Altidore shot from 20 yards misses just wide.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:08 
7:10
Kljestan shoots high.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:10 
7:10
Not a bad attempt.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:10 
7:12
Sanchez stretchered off.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:12 
7:12
Gaven taken down in the box.  No PK.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:12 
7:13
Looked like a penalty.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:13 
7:13
USA attacking with great force now.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:13 
7:14
Altidore can't find Findley in the box.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:14 
7:15
USA foul Honduras near the sideline 45 yards out.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:15 
7:15
Honduras goal by Welcom. 1-0
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:15 
7:16
Welcome brings the ball down well past a defender, and lets fire from dead center 22 yards out.  It hits the crossbar near where it meets the post, leaving Cervi no chance.  Beautiful strike.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:16 
7:18
First half of extra time ends 1-0
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:18 
7:20
2nd extra session underway.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:20 
7:20
USA earn a corner off a cross.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:20 
7:21
Corner goes out for a goal kick.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:21 
7:22
Honduras has a chance for another goal, but cannot pull the trigger on a shot.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:22 
7:22
Good linking up by the USA in the attacking third.  They win a corner.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:22 
7:23
Corner headed out by Orozco.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:23 
7:26
US earn another corner but it is headed away.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:26 
7:26
8 minutes remain.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:26 
7:26
10 minutes remain.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:26 
7:26
8 minutes remain...not 10
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:26 
7:27
Altidore tries a bicycle, but pops it up
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:27 
7:28
USA earn a deep throw.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:28 
7:28
Honduras sub.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:28 
7:28
5 minutes remain.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:28 
7:30
Honduras have 11 men behind the ball.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:30 
7:32
2 minutes remain.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:32 
7:32
Wynne earns a yellow for a hard foul on Welcome.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:32 
7:33
Honduras corner.  Look for them to kill time here.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:33 
7:34
Game over.  Honduras win 1-0
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:34 
7:35
Thanks for following along with SoccerTicker.  Honduras win the CONCACAF U23 olympic qualifying tournament title.

SoccerTicker's next live commentary will be of USA vs.  Poland on March 26th at 3:30pm ET.
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:35 
7:35
Thanks for tuning in!
Sunday March 23, 2008 7:35 
7:35
This Live Blog has now ended.

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