US Strikes it Late, Seals Final Birth

The US left it late to seal their semi-final victory over Honduras. After taking a 1-0 lead just before halftime through Clarence Goodson's thundering header, the US started on fire in the second, but couldn't find that victory sealing goal. Honduras threatened late through Carlos Costly, but Troy Perkins came out bravely and took away the angle, after which Jay Heaps intervened and cleared. The clincher came in the 90th minute through a terrific run of play from the Americans, which saw a Ching back heel find the feet of Holden who crossed to a wide open Cooper who knocked it in for his second in as many games. Here are my player ratings for the match:

Troy Perkins (7.5) - Was forced to make a lot more saves this time around and made them on well taken opportunities from Chavez and Costly especially.

Jay Heaps (7) - His best performance of the tournament, he asserted his dominance on the right side and Honduras had no major attacks from that side. Also did well to clear up after Perkins save on Costly

Clarence Goodson (7.5) - Another player with his best performance of the tournament, won nearly everything in the air that came his way, and slammed his goal home with authority.

Chad Marshall (7.5) - Another steady performance from Chad who has been the best defender on the team for the length of the tournament, again rendered Costly nearly ineffective.

Heath Pearce (7) - Defended well and kept up with Chavez for the majority of the match, got forward well in addition.

Stuart Holden (7.5) - The linchpin in the US attack, his two assists to Goodson and Cooper were spot on.

Kyle Beckerman (7.5) - The anchor in midfield, had another good showing with good distribution throughout.

Logan Pause (6.5) - Again looked uncomfortable early on, but settled in nicely and provided good defense in front of the back four.

Robbie Rogers (5.5) - May have looked dangerous to the common eye, but he was the weakest player in the US squad, he turned the ball way to much.

Davy Arnaud (6.5) - Played tough and hard, but didn't have to many opportunities to shine as Honduras played very physical on him.

Brian Ching (6.5) - Played well throughout the match, and earned his share of free kicks. His clever back heel led to Coopers goal.

Santino Quaranta (6.5)- Never really involved minus his free kick that Marshall put just wide.

Kenny Cooper (7) - Super-sub Cooper scored his second goal in as many matches to put it on ice for the Americans.

For those who missed it, here are the highlights: