Battered, Beaten, and Bloodied- but Qualified

It may have taken longer than what people may have wanted it to. But the United States is qualified for the World Cup in 2010. It became official when the United State's Men's National Team won their second straight World Cup Qualifier on the road, defeating Honduras 3-2. However many fans of the United States National Team will complain that the Stars and Stripes lock on qualification took too long, as the American needed nine matches to punch their tickets to South Africa. However one must look at the basic facts, the United States is in the World Cup, and that is all that is necessary in qualification.

The US secured their second road win on the road to improve their record to 2-2-1, .500 is not half-bad. Julio Leon struck first for the home side in the 47th minute to put Honduras up 1-0. Down 1-0 on the road, it was not a great situation for Bob Bradley's side, then Colorado Rapids man Conor Casey equalized in the 58th minute. Then Casey made struck again only seven minutes later to put the Stars and Stripes up 2-1, Qualification is now in sight. Then Landon Donovan (give praise to Landon Donovan) scored in the 69th minute to put the US up 3-1, people started making hotel arrangements in the Rainbow Nation. Then Leon scored his second of the night for the host to pull Honduras back into one, okay small worries. Then a handball call on the US in the box gave Honduras their best chance to pull out a draw. Carlos Pavon stepped up to take the PK, with time running low this was it for the host. However Pavon, a world-class player, sent the kick wide. Avoiding the scare Bob Bradley's team escapes Honduras with the 3-2 win.

The United States is now locked into the World Cup for 2010, with 19 points the US is now assured a spot in South Africa, along with Mexico with 18 points. The win was tainted on Monday Night with news of US Forward Charlie Davis suffering an injury from a car-crash. It is unclear how the impact will effect Charlie's career. Right now, the injury is not life-threatening, instead it is officially being labeled as 'possible career threatening'. However, it is still unclear whether or not Charlie Davis will be able to play anytime soon, or at all. Right now that is not important, what is important that Davis gets to a speedy recovery.

As for the rest of the team, the focus is not set on Costa Rica tomorrow at RFK Stadium. While, the US is still already qualified for the World Cup, Costa Rica needs a win as chances are Honduras will pass them by beating El Salvador. The US have not lost in the US since they lost in September of 2001, and with the injury to Davis, the US might have more to play for than just qualification. Still, for the Bob Bradley must take a quick sigh of relief before preparing his squad for Costa Rica. It has been a rough road, and with Davis' injury, the road will still be rough. But battered and beaten the US marches on to 2010 South Africa.