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The US Mens National Team defeated Honduras 4-0 Wednesday night at Gillete Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts in a tune-up game for the World Cup qualifying scheduled to begin in two weeks. The US soccer team found themselves leading 2-0 after two first-half strikes from Brian McBride.

The first goal was an uncontested header from six yards from McBride after a perfectly crossed ball from right back Steve Cherundolo. McBride was unmarked and simply nodded the ball down to the left of the diving Honduran keeper.

The second goal was a thing of beauty, midfielder Claudio Reyna who plays for Manchester City in the Premiership in England, started the play on the left side by feeding the ball to Casey Connor who was situated 10 yards on top of the arch.

Connor deftly served a one touch through pass to an open space where McBride, the Fulton forward was making his run. McBride was once again unmarked. With just one touch, the US were up 2-0.

McBride’s left footed blast to the near post had so much pace on it, it left the Honduran goalkeeper with no chance in stopping the US from getting their second goal.

The Hondurans made it more difficult for themselves when midfielder Amado Guevara was ejected in the 39th minute after swinging his arm at US midfielder Demarcus Beasley, who was hit in the face not far away from the Salvadoran referee, Rodolfo Sibrian.

The Hondurans played with just 10 men the rest of the match. The US scored two more goals from set plays later in the second half. The third goal was tapped in by Eddie Lewis at the 77th minute after a mad scamble in front of the goal from a US corner kick. The fourth goal was header from a set play from Tony Sanneh at 81th minute.

Observations:
1. The Connor and McBride combination on top. I was curious how the pair will perform for the very first time. Both players have size at 6-1 and are excellent in the air. Connor holds the ball very well with his back to the goal because of his size and strength.

McBride is a better finisher. This may not be a bad combination after all, if the US can get quality crosses from the flanks. With these two players on top, Landon Donovan plays midfield. He didn’t have a bad game, but far from his usual best.

Donovan looks more dangerous playing the withdrawn forward in the Mexico game as opposed to an attacking midfielder last night.

2. Beasley vs Lewis. Beasley presents problems for opposing defenses because of his speed and motor. He seems to be all over the place. He has become a target for opposing players because of his agility and hustle. Beasley is left footed and plays the left midfielder position.

One thing missing from his game is the quality of crosses that you would normally get from an Eddie Lewis. Lewis does not have the speed, but makes up for the quality serves in the penalty area. Lewis is also very deceptive in the attacking third of the field. Do you go for speed and defense, or better crosses?

3. Vanney vs. Convey. This competition might be over. Vanney looks more comfortable at the left back position than Convey. Left-back is Vanney’s natural position. Convey is more of left or central midfielder. Convey is another one of those guys that is all over the place.

I think he will serve better if plays midfield since he was overmatched at times at the left-back position. The US have other players that can play left back, Carlos Bocanegra and the often injured John O’Brien.

4. Cherundolo vs. Hejduk. I like Hejduk’s hustle, but I feel much more comfortable with Cherundolo at right back position. He looks more comfortable and at ease in that position. Both players like to attack with the edge going to Cherundolo since he seems to be a better crosser than Hejduk.

Cherundolo served a perfect cross which resulted in the first goal of the game, although his crosses later in the game deteriorated. His services were short and should have been delivered in the far post area where it is more dangerous.

5. Armas vs. Mastroeni. This is hard one. Mastroeni looks more comfortable as a central defender. Armas is his usual steady self, nothing spectacular. Other people can play the holding midfield position, such as Claudio Reyna or Tony Sanneh.

I prefer to see a Mastroeni-Pope combination in the central fullback position, or a Pope-Bocanegra combination. Throw in Berhalter and Gibbs and depth is a nice luxury to have for Bruce Arena.

6. Goalkeeper. It’s nice to have several good goalkeepers. Speaking of luxury, who would you start? Here’s the list: Tim Howard, Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tony Meola, and Jonny Walker. I still believe any of the first 3 keepers can perform the job. Keller has the best positioning.

Friedel has the range and quickness. Howard is the best athlete. Meola and Walker are not bad picks, either. And what happened to Zack Thornton? Lots of potential. He signed with Benfica Portugal, but never played for the top club this season.

Summary of the Game Courtesy of SoccerAmerica.com

June 2 in Foxboro, Mass.
USA 4 - Honduras 0
Goals: McBride 22, 37, Lewis 77, Sanneh 81.

USA — Howard, Cherundolo, Sanneh, Bocanegra (Gibbs, 72), Vanney (Convey, 46), Reyna, Armas (Mastroeni, 46), Donovan, Beasley (Lewis, 46), McBride, Casey (Stewart, 63).

Honduras — Coello (H.Medina, 15), M.Palacios (Bernardez, 46), N.Medina, Figueroa, Sabillon (Posas, 73), Mena, Guevara, M.Suazo, W.Palacios (Marin, 63), Pavon (Nunez, 59), J.Palacios (E.Martinez, 46).

Yellow cards: Honduras — M.Suazo 65, Figueroa 74.
Red card: Honduras — Guevara 40.

Referee: Rodolfo Sibrian (El Salvador).
Att.: 11,533.

STATS:
Shots: USA 14, Honduras 6.
Saves: USA 1, Honduras 3.
Corner Kicks: USA 10, Honduras 2.
Fouls: USA 19, Honduras 11.
Offside: USA 2, Honduras 1.

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