The U.S. showed its prowess yet again during Wednesday's 2013 Gold Cup semifinal match against Honduras at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. The U.S. got its foot in the door early on, practicually shutting out any chances for Honduras in the first 45 with a two-goal margin. The final 45 was less exciting for the team, but it managed to keep Honduras at bay, taking a 3-1 victory and sending its opponent home.
The U.S. was all over Hondruas' end in the first 45, with 10 scoring changes throughout the half compared to only two by Honduras. The squad managed to put two in the back very early in the game. The first goal came 10 minutes into the match with Eddie Johnson delivering on a throw-in by Michael Parkhurst. Nick Rimado made a goal kick in the 26th minute of play, which Landon Donovan turned into a goal seconds later. While Diego Reyes Sandoval made perhaps the best effort for Honduras in minute 28 of play, he shot the ball straight to the U.S. goaltender Rimado, who blocked his attempt. The rest of the first 45 was a complete assault on Honduras' defenses. The Latin American team found no scoring opportunities thereafter.
Honduras fought back at the start of the final 45 after being awarded a free kick when a referees called a foul on Damarcus Beasley on Jerry Palacios. Nery Medina scored on a header in the 51st minute of play. The U.S. answered back immediately as Donovan scored another just a minute later right in front of Honduras' net. While Honduras stepped up its game and found more chances to score, it failed to make the ball connect with the net, leaving the U.S. with the win.
The U.S. moves on to the final match of the Gold Cup as it awaits the victor of the Mexico vs. Panama game set for later Wednesday evening. The match will take place Sunday at 4 p.m. EST at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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