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

4:43

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

4:47

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

4:47

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

4:48

Meanwhile, Sacha Kljestan garnered honorable mention notice.

Sunday March 23, 2008 4:48

4:50

The USA will come out in a 4-4-2

Sunday March 23, 2008 4:50

4:50

In goal is Dominic Cervi

Sunday March 23, 2008 4:50

4:50

The backline consists of Kamani Hill, Patrick Ianni, Michael Orozco, and Nathan Sturgis

Sunday March 23, 2008 4:50

4:51

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

4:52

Seitz, Wynne, Edu, McCarty, and Altidore start on the bench.

Sunday March 23, 2008 4:52

4:54

In the early game, Canada beat Guatemala in a penalty shootout

Sunday March 23, 2008 4:54

4:54

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

4:59

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

5:02

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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