USMNT's three keys vs. Honduras: Pick a striker, locate depth defensively in middle and get Tim Weah minutes
Three points could calm the nerves on Wednesday
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The United States men's country wide team will try and get better from a 2-zero loss at Canada whilst Wednesday night time towards Honduras in the final recreation of this triple-fixture international window. The Americans stay in 2d location within the Concacaf World Cup qualifying table, but Mexico and Panama are on their heels with Costa Rica no longer a long way at the back of. Failure to win this recreation may want to positioned Gregg Berhalter's aspect in a complex state of affairs with only three qualifiers left after this one to punch their price tag to Qatar. The Stars and Stripes have failed to score more than one dreams in each in their past 4 games, such as 3 qualifiers and a friendly.
Ahead of Wednesday's 7:30 p.M. ET kickoff (under frigid conditions in St. Paul, Minnesota), here are three keys for Berhalter and his group as they intention to get again on track:
1. Please, selected a striker and stick with it
I'm fully awaiting Ricardo Pepi to begin this healthy, and I'll tell you why this is an issue. It's the right name in phrases of the participant, however that might make it three unique strikers starting these 3 games. I get having a rotation, however what's the thought process right here for Berhalter? It is so critical to get these men the maximum minutes as feasible with the likes of Christian Pulisic and enterprise, as Berhalter looks to construct momentum coming into the World Cup ... If they make it. Starting Jesus Ferreira, Gyasi Zardes and then probably Ricardo Pepi does not assist in any way. Maybe it's going to help him in finding out that the primary should not be everywhere near the starting lineup, however if Pepi's three-month intention drought keeps, then we are able to type of be back to where we began qualifying -- wondering who inside the global is the striker of this team.
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2. Figure out who replaces Adams
Tyler Adams will pass over this healthy with a hamstring injury, because of this Kellyn Acosta will likely get the nod, and that is a large drop-off to the squad. Acosta, who currently secured a move from Colorado to LAFC, does not offer the equal defensive capabilities as Adams, who has been rock steady for this squad within the center. He had played at least eighty three mins in all however one qualifier entering the Canada sport, and he always completes properly over eighty% of his passes and regularly ninety. Adams has additionally gained well over 50% of his duels, which include over 75% within the 4 video games earlier than the final in shape. If Acosta does not look sharp in the early ranges of this suit, do not be surprised if Weston McKennie drops a touch deeper.
3. Get Weah greater minutes
After being not able to travel to Canada because of the united states of america's vaccination requirements, a nicely-rested Tim Weah should be in line for a few severe mins. He needs these minutes as properly, due to the fact he has been a bright spot for this crew over the past few months, which includes scoring that crucial intention at Jamaica. His versatility -- being able to play forward and on either wing -- will permit him to doubtlessly shift around and find space towards a Honduras team that lacks area.
He's probable a alternative while Gio Reyna comes lower back from injury, however he has been in a position to reveal a few consistency and creativity. After now not gambling against Canada, this will be any other danger to go away an influence towards what's the worst protection in Concacaf.
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