There’s an alarmingly lazy narrative that’s out there in certain circles due to the USMNT‘s struggles during this World Cup Qualifying cycle.
Major League Soccer is holding the national team back. The lack of promotion/relegation in the league makes players complacent and less competitive. American soccer is incapable of becoming a true power in the world game unless the status quo changes.
Never mind that the player who scored both goals for Costa Rica in their 2-0 win over the US on Friday plays in MLS. Never mind that arguably the worst player for the US on the day plies his trade in what most observers consider the best league in the world. And never mind that Bruce Arena admitted post game that he got out-coached.
But that’s the thing with narratives and hot takes. Their basis springs forward from knee jerk reactions rather than thoughtful and well-researched analysis. They elicit impulsive banter instead of rational discussion.
USMNT Must Contain Honduras MLS Attacking Tandem
Yes, it’s readily apparent that MLS is far from perfect. The league is clearly not on the level of the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga or Ligue 1 when it comes to quality of play. But what MLS doesn’t get enough credit for, amongst fans and detractors alike, is how much deeper it’s made CONCACAF.
Jamaica’s performance in the past two Gold Cups is evidence of that fact. The Reggae Boyz made the finals in both tournaments with a roster boasting a multitude of MLS-based players. Among them was Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, who impressed mightily throughout this year’s tourney.
The Honduras MLS Connection
But it doesn’t end there. The USMNT’s next opponent in World Cup Qualifying, Honduras, is among CONCACAF’s most improved sides over the past decade. After making just one World Cup in its history, Los Catrachos have qualified for the last two. And they’ve done so with quite a few players whom fans of MLS teams are familiar with.
Amado Guevara captained Honduras for two of their three group stage games in the 2010 World Cup. Though he played for Honduran club Motagua at the time, he scored 41 goals in 143 appearances for the New York Metrostars/Red Bulls, Chivas USA and Toronto FC in the previous seven seasons. It included winning the league’s MVP award in 2004 during his time with New York.
Four years later, a player who began his pro career with Red Bulls rival D.C. United featured on Honduras’ World Cup side. Though he moved to Anderlecht in Belgium, Andy Najar played in 87 games for D.C. across all competitions between 2010 and 2012. A product of the club’s academy system, he’s considered a major development success story considering his move to Europe.
Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis: Continuing the Trend
Heading into Tuesday’s high stakes encounter in San Pedro Sula, the Honduras MLS connection remains ever present. Four of the 14 players (11 starters, three subs) who took part in their 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Friday are on MLS rosters. It includes two dynamic attacking players in Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis, who both play for the Houston Dynamo.
That tandem is hugely responsible for Houston’s return to relevance after an extended stretch at the bottom of the MLS standings. The Dynamo currently sit fifth in the Western Conference standings but are a mere four points below first-placed Seattle with a game in hand. Quioto and Elis’ 12 goals and seven assists have played a huge role in the club’s improved fortunes this year.
The two excel at tucking in from wide areas in Dynamo manager Wilmer Cabrera’s 4-3-3. Their speed, their ability to take defenders on as well as provide teammates with quality service all stand out. And it’s those attributes the US will have to be wary of and neutralize on Tuesday.
USMNT Qualification Prospects Hang in Balance
Friday’s unexpected loss to Costa Rica puts a lot of pressure on the US heading into this matchup. They currently find themselves tied on points with Honduras though they do own the edge in goal difference. That’s a less than ideal situation ahead of a road game in what will be an insanely raucous environment on a substandard pitch in humidity.
A loss in San Pedro Sula sets up a rather scary scenario. Coupled with a Panama win at home against Trinidad and Tobago (seems a rather plausible outcome), it would knock the US down to fifth in the Hex with two matches left. Suddenly, the prospect of the US shockingly missing out on Russia becomes a real possibility.
Fortunately, their qualifying campaign concludes with two winnable games. They face Panama at home in Orlando followed by a road game against the Hex’s current bottom-feeder in Trinidad. And Honduras’ final two matches are against Costa Rica and Mexico.
Nevertheless, the situation is extremely tenuous. It necessitates that the team rebound from Friday’s forgettable result with a poised performance in what will most definitely be a hostile environment. Honduras will be looking to prevent that while adding to the US’ misery, with their duo of talented MLS attacking wingers playing their part.
