Americans Face Difficult Week of World Cup Qualifying

The US National Team could take a huge step towards South Afirca 2010 if they can navigate a difficult trip to Costa Rica and a quick turnaround against a rested Honduras side this week.  First up is a daunting trip to Costa Rica to play in a stadium where the US has never won.   The US is 0-6 there and have been outscored 13-4 in those matches.  Throw in some injury issues and it is a tall task indeed.  Frankie Hedjuk is doubtful for the match and Steve Cherundolo is out.  That leaves a pair of 23 yr olds as the next best option at right back, Jonathan Spector or Marvell Wynne.   The Costa Rican crowd is loud and boisterous.  Throw in an artificial turf pitch and Wednesday should be interesting for sure.

The squad must then zip back to Chicago and face a Honduras side which will be fully rested.   The US is 15-0-1 in home qualifiers over the last 8 years, but Honduras is a dangerous side that already has a win over Mexico to their credit.  Hopefully Hedjuk will be ready to go for that match and the Chicago crowd gets behind the team. 

Three points minimum are a must for the two matches.  Anything more and the US is on their way to South Africa.  Anything less and the fight is on with tough trips to Mexico and Honduras still on the slate.