USMNT vs. Honduras score: U.S. fails to qualify for Tokyo Olympics, falls to Honduras in CONCACAF semifinals

The U-23 U.S. men’s national team once again failed to qualify for the Summer Olympics, after a 2-1 loss to Honduras during the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying semifinals on Sunday at Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico. Juan Carlos Obregon and Luis Palma recorded goals for Honduras, while Jackson Yueill scored for the U.S..

The U.S. struggled during the first half to establish any type of tempo despite retaining possession and spending time on the ball. The team failed to make any meaningful attempts on goal as Honduras was able to disrupt passing lanes and counter on transition when opportunity provided and got solid looks on goal with David Ochoa making big saves to keep the game level.

A strong showing from Honduras out of the first hydration break ahead of halftime lead to a bit of shift in tempo for the team, as Obrgon scored the opening goal in first half stoppage time.

A demoralizing early second half goal by Honduras seemed to seal the USMNT’s fate, as goalkeeper David Ochoa made a rare mistake in the match with a poor pass out of the back that Honduras striker Luis Palma punched on and scored the go-ahead early in the second half.

U.S. midfielder and team captain Jackson Yueill brought the team within one in the 52nd minute.

The goal shifted things for the U23 side, as strong flank play from Aaron Herrera helped generate attack for the team through the winding minutes. Despite more time in dangerous spaces, the team was unable to score an equalizer, as Honduras secured their spot in the Tokyo Olympics eliminated USA from the competition once again. The U-23 USMNT will be absent from a third consecutive Summer Olympics, having last qualified for Beijing 2008. Honduras also knocked the U.S. out of CONCACAF Olympic qualifying in the semifinals back in 2016.

⚽Honduras: Juan Carlos Obregon (45+4)

⚽Honduras: Luis Palma (47′)

⚽USA: Jackson Yueill (52′)