Conor Casey (#8) scored two goals in the USA’s 3-2 win over Honduras in World Cup Qualifying on October 10, 2010, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. (Photo: John Dorton/isiphotos.com)
When Honduras hosts the United States on Tuesday, the sides will be hard pressed to live up to classic confrontations between them in previous World Cup qualifiers. In chronological order, here are three memorable qualifiers between the CONCACAF Hexagonal rivals: March 28, 2001: Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano -- San Pedro Sula, Honduras Honduras 2, USA 1 The U.S. recorded its first win in Central America in almost 12 years, defeating the host Catrachos, 2-1. Clint Mathis, who hadn't made much of an impact until late in the match, connected on the game-winner via an 87th-minute free kick to boost the Americans. Earnie Stewart (33’) gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead on a deflected effort from 35-yards out, while Julio de Leon (59’) leveled with a tremendous left-footed effort from distance. ------------------------- September 1, 2001: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium – Washington, D.C., USA USA 2, Honduras 3 Honduras avenged the above defeat by handing the Americans their first WCQ home loss in 16 years, 3-2. With midfielder Amado Guevara pulling the strings for the Catrachos, Milton Nuñez (28’, 76’) scored two goals and Carlos Pavon (53’ pen) added one. Earnie Stewart netted a brace (7’, 83’) for the hosts, but also had a penalty kick saved by goalkeeper Noel Valladares shortly before halftime. ------------------------- October 10, 2009: Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano – San Pedro Sula, Honduras Honduras 2, USA 3 In 19 international appearances, retired U.S. forward Conor Casey (50’, 66’) had two goals. Both were scored during a seven-minute span against Honduras in a 3-2 victory that saw the Americans clinch a World Cup berth. Landon Donovan (71’) also tallied for the U.S., while Julio de Leon (47’, 78’) netted twice for the host. After the final whistle, the capacity crowd -- realizing it had witnessed an unforgettable match regardless of the final result -- gave their heroes a standing ovation.
