Happy returns

Mathis, Donovan lead U.S. past Honduras in Cup warmup

Chris Armas (left) and Landon Donovan have locked up spots on the World Cup roster. AP

SEATTLE (AP) -- Clint Mathis and Landon Donovan each scored two goals, and the U.S. soccer team continued its strong play with a 4-0 victory over Honduras in an exhibition match Saturday at Safeco Field.

It was Mathis' first start since recovering from a serious knee injury.

The U.S. team, sporting a new jersey that they'll wear in the World Cup, was made up primarily of MLS/domestic-based players who are battling for positions on the 23-man World Cup roster.

The Americans played cohesively and were in control from the outset.

"We're playing well, and when we get everybody healthy and on the field at the same time and together for an extended period of time, we can be a dangerous team," coach Bruce Arena said.

"As for our World Cup roster, nothing has been determined at this time. My next concern is getting ready for Ecuador next week."

Mathis, a member of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, nearly had a three-goal game, but his free kick from 20 yards hit the crossbar. He now has five goals with the U.S. team, while Donovan raised his total to four.

The scoring of Mathis and Donovan marked the first time the U.S. team had two players with multiple-goal performances since Dec. 5, 1993, against El Salvador.

Donovan's performance came two days before his 20th birthday.

The Americans dominated play early and charged to a 2-0 lead. The U.S. team also missed a pair of early scoring chances.

"I was disappointed in our first 43 minutes," said Arena. "Although we were leading 1-0, I thought we had a chance to have it 2 or 3-0 at that point."

Honduras was outshot 11-3 in the match.

The U.S team opened the scoring on a header by Mathis in the 14th minute. On an indirect free kick, Jeff Agoos went far-post on the cross to Brian McBride, who flipped it past Victor Coello. Mathis headed it into the lower left corner.

A few minutes earlier, Coello appeared to have injured his right knee while stopping a shot from Brian Maisonneuve in front of the net.

The Americans increased their lead to two when the 19-year-old Donovan took a pass from Chris Armas, dribbled left around Coella, and scored from 5 yards.

Armas moved past a pair of Honduran defenders about 25 yards out on the play before pushing it forward to Donovan.

Mathis added to the lead in the 59th minute, putting away a header flicked on by McBride after a cross from Eddie Lewis.

Donovan closed out the scoring in the 67th minute, showing his speed on a breakaway by outrunning two defenders and moving left, around the goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper Kasey Keller came up with a big save in the 28th minute, denying Honduran forward Saul Martinez on a breakaway. Keller made a sliding stop 10 yards in front of the goal.

"Even though it appeared to be an easy game, I think the save Keller made was a big one," Arena said. "He did another outstanding job and continues to challenge to be the No. 1 goalkeeper for the World Cup."

Keller, a native of Lacey, Wash., about an hour south of Seattle, recorded his 28th career shutout. He is second on the U.S. team career list behind Tony Meola's 31. Keller also has a 16-match unbeaten run in the U.S., dating back to Feb. 21, 1998.

Keller, called back to Tottenham Hotspur in England's Premier League, will not be able play against Ecuador next week.

"I'm very disappointed about not being able to play next week," Keller said. "The team seems to be reacting well when I am in goal. I want every opportunity that I can to show Bruce that I am ready to be the No. 1 in the World Cup."

Keller is competing for the starting spot with Brad Friedel, who was not called up because he holds a starting spot at his Premier League team, Blackburn Rovers.

A crowd of 38,534 watched the first soccer match at Safeco Field. The last international match in Seattle was a 1-1 tie between the United States and Russia at the Kingdome prior to the 1994 World Cup.

The U.S. team and Honduras split the previous two meetings, with each team winning on the road.

The U.S. team raised its record to 5-1-1. The Americans' next match is against Ecuador in Birmingham, Ala., on March 11.

Summary

First half scoring-1, US, Clint Mathis (Brian McBride), 14th minute. 2, US, Landon Donovan (Chris Armas), 44th.

Second half scoring-3, US, Clint Mathis (Brian McBride), 59th; 4 Landon Donovan (Brian West), 67th.

Yellow Cards-Landon Donovan, US, 45th ; Jose Luis Pineda, Honduras, 57th; Saul Martinez, Honduras, 78th. Red Cards-None.

Referee-Jerry Proctor, Canada. Linesmen-Simon Fearn, Canada, Martin Reed, Canada.

A-38,534.

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Lineups

United States-Kasey Keller; Jeff Agoos (Eddie Lewis, 46), Eddie Pope, Pablo Mastroeni, Richard Mulrooney, Chris Armas (Bobby Convey, 62), DaMarcus Beasley (Richie Williams, 62), Brian Maisonnueve (Brian West, 46), Landon Donovan, Clint Mathis (Jeff Cunningham, 67), Brian McBride.

Honduras-Victor Coello; David Carcamo, Sergio Mendoza, Jaime Rosales, Robel Bernardez (Oscar Bonilla, 81), Jose Luis Pineda, Rony Morales, Edgar Alvarez, Daniel Turcios (Junior Izaguirre, 89), Saul Martinez (Jerry Palacios, 80), Limberth Perez (Cesar Obando, 60).

 

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