VIDEO USA 3-1 Honduras Gold Cup Highlights: Donovan Punches USA Ticket To Final
Two goals and an assist from Landon Donovan lifted the United States past Honduras 3-1 in the Gold Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.
Donovan and the U.S team advanced to their third straight Cup final, and have outscored opponents 19-4 during the tournament. The Yanks were able to generate plenty of shots right in front of the Honduras net by consistently lobbing the ball over the backline, and converted them for the victory. Goalkeeper Donis Escober was subjected to relentless pressure from Jurgen Klinsmann's squad.
The U.S. will move on to face the winner of Mexico and Panama’s match up later tonight in Texas.
Donovan, who had taken time off from international competition before rejoining the U.S. this summer, has been in fine form in the tournament. The 31-year-old has scored five goals and assisted on another seven in five matches.
Donovan broke open the scoring with a clever give-and-go assist with forward Eddie Johnson in the 11th minute. Johnson found himself all alone in front of the Honduras net, and sailed a right-footed shot past Escobar for his second goal of the tournament.
From there the Yanks continued their onslaught and outshot the Honduras side 14-8, and maintained a 55-45 possession advantage.
Donovan knocked home his first goal later in the 27th minute, accepting a pass in front of the net from Alejandro Bedoya. Donovan controlled the ball in the air, and made a touch shot to give the U.S. the 2-0 lead and firm control of the match.
Honduras would respond in the second half with a set-piece beauty off the head of defender Nery Media. Martin Chavez knocked a perfect cross to the middle of penalty box, and Media fired in the header to put Honduras back in the match, 2-1.
But Bedoya and Donovan would hook up once again in the 53rd minute, with yet another shot in front of the net for the defining 3-1 score.
The highlights for each goal can be found below.
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