ASN: U.S. Victory Over Honduras Is Really One for the Ages

The teenage playmaker, the veteran ahead combating a well being challenge, and the second-time coach who desires to guide his third journey to the World Cup all got here up massive on Friday evening at Avaya Stadium. 

BY

John Godfrey

Posted
March 26, 2017
4:00 PM

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SAN JOSE, Calif.—Eighteen, 34 and 65—these are the ages of the three most necessary individuals in the USA nationwide staff’s 6-0 win over Honduras Friday evening.

{The teenager}, after all, is Christian Pulisic, the Borussia Dortmund wunderkind who’s arguably one of the best participant on the squad. He began within the middle of the midfield towards Honduras—the place he’ll doubtless play for the following decade or so—and displayed masterful imaginative and prescient and method, scoring a objective and organising three others. 

The 34-year-old, Clint Dempsey, initially wasn’t going to be a part of this staff because of the irregular heartbeat that ended his 2016 season. Later, we realized, Dempsey could be included on the roster however wouldn’t begin out of concern for his health. However when Bobby Wooden suffered a again damage simply previous to camp, Dempsey moved to the highest of the depth chart, acquired the beginning nod, and scored a hat trick within the largest U.S. sport for the reason that 2014 World Cup.

The 65-year-old, Bruce Area, is the mastermind who put the entire items collectively. He made the decision to begin Pulisic within the No. 10 position, regardless of fears that the teen wasn’t fairly prepared for the accountability in such an necessary sport. Area additionally named Dempsey to the Beginning XI, though the self-deprecating coach isn’t taking a victory lap about that call.

“We did not have anybody else,” Arena said in the post-game press conference Friday, drawing laughs. “It made it simple for me.”

“It was spectacular the way in which he saved bettering,” Area added, adopting a extra critical tone. “Checking together with his health coaches [in Seattle], we knew he may play. Then he performs late Sunday afternoon in Seattle, he is available in late Sunday evening right here, Monday he does a bit of bit of coaching, and he feels good. It was exceptional.

“And I say, ‘He is acquired to play.'”

Dempsey shrugged off any sense of accomplishment related to contributing 90 minutes: “You know me—I’m a fighter,” he mentioned. “I looked the for the opportunity to get out there and show that I should be around still. It was great to play a part in the team getting three points.”

The duo had by no means appeared in the identical Beginning XI earlier than Friday however you wouldn’t have guessed that based mostly on their seemingly psychic interaction on the sector.

“Clint’s an easy guy to play with,” Pulisic mentioned. “It’s actually enjoyable to play in behind him and off of him.

“He’s strong, he’s technical, he makes good runs and he always gives good support. That’s exactly what you need from a forward. And he’s clinical.”

Dempsey had nothing however reward for his younger teammate.

“He’s a great player,” Dempsey mentioned “He can beat individuals one-on-one on the dribble and he creates mismatches due to that—another person has to push to him. If you’re in a position to make good runs he’ll discover you.

“It’s great to have players like that who can win those one-v-one battles and break things open,” Dempsey added. “He’s just getting better and better. The sky’s the limit for him.”

The 18-year-old and the 34-year-old had been additionally in lockstep when discussing their 65-year-old coach.

“I owe a lot to Bruce,” Dempsey mentioned. “He’s the one that first brought me in with the national team. He gave me the opportunity to play in World Cup qualifying games, play in the World Cup, get a goal in the World Cup. It’s great to come full circle.”

Pulisic’s evaluation: “Bruce is a great guy. He really inspired us and motivated us to go out today and have a great performance. The game plan was really good and the team showed really strong.”

It wasn’t only a two-man present, actually. Sebastian Lletget acquired issues rolling with an early objective and seemed extraordinarily harmful earlier than coming off with a foot damage. Jozy Altidore mixed properly together with his fellow attackers. Darlington Nagbe placed on a delicate, efficient show on the left wing.

However this evening belonged to Dempsey, who now has 55 profession targets for the nationwide staff, and Pulisic, who seemed terribly comfy driving the offense.

“Christian is just a natural,” Area mentioned. “The game is easy for him. He’s got exceptional skill, vision—he’s pretty smooth.” 

Per week in the past, World Cup qualification appeared like a little bit of lengthy shot. However after Friday’s sport, the temper and the momentum of the U.S. nationwide staff have modified perceptibly. Because the coach and gamers ready to depart for Panama, you would really feel a surge of confidence.

“I have nothing but praise for my team,” Area mentioned with a smile.

John Godfrey is the founder and editor in chief of American Soccer Now.