The blow that was the United States' loss in Honduras in the first round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying was softened by draws in the other matches. Mexico surprisingly dropped points against Jamaica, while Costa Rica and Panama couldn't separate themselves either. Regardless, the USMNT will feel like three points are a necessity at home against the Ticos on Friday.
Honduras will be very much in the driver's seat for a World Cup berth if they can take all six points from their home games against CONCACAF's elite, but a draw will suit both the Hondurans and their visitors, Mexico. The game between Jamaica and Panama in Kingston will be highly contentious, given that both teams likely feel that they need to take points off of each other to have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.
Schedule (all times ET)
Honduras vs. Mexico - 5 p.m.
Jamaica vs. Panama - 9:30 p.m.
United States vs. Costa Rica - 10 p.m.
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