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The United States has won nine straight matches, but if that number doesn't reach 11, it will be for naught. Then only three of those wins would matter -- the three World Cup qualifying wins -- while the rest would just be insignificant or part of a disappointing Gold Cup.
The quest for No. 10 in a row is tonight when the Americans take on Honduras in the semifinals. Win and play for the big, ugly gold jug on Sunday in Chicago. Lose and stew as the echos from 80,000 people in attendance provide the soundtrack to your locker room sulk.
Ryan: The last time the U.S. and Honduras met in the Gold Cup, it came in the 2009 semifinals and guess what? The Americans won 2-0. With Omar Gonzalez now in the team to partner Matt Besler, the U.S. can put the clamps on the Honduras attack and with Landon Donovan in sparkling form, two goals sounds like a good bet. This one is setting up as 2009 repeat, 2-0 to the U.S. and onto the final.
Zach: Honduras weren't particularly impressive in their quarterfinal win over Costa Rica, but they're still a good side capable of tripping up the US. That said, I don't think it'll happen as Klinsmann has his team playing extremely well at the moment. There's a confidence surrounding the Yanks right now and the only thing that could hurt them now is just a bad game or some bad luck. Crappy dying grass laid down on concrete inside a giant building can lead to bad luck, but hopefully not. USA wins a tight game, pulling away late for a 3-1 win.
Kevin: If we were playing real Honduras or a team that had performed really well in Gold Cup, I'd be concerned. We're playing fake Honduras and they haven't been convincing in any of their games. We should keep a clean sheet but won't because we remain derpy at the back. 3-1.
Phillip: What is there to not like about the way the USMNT has been playing so far through the Gold Cup? Landon Donovan "shockingly" is the best player in the competition. It also helps that Joey Beers is balling, too. Honduras is better than El Salvador, so this game will be a lot closer. Plus, they have Andy Najar. He's the best. Give me... 2-0 to the YANKS.
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