USSF Discussing Friendlies With Honduras, Northern Ireland

Having learned of their opponents for the 2010 World Cup Group Stage just days ago, the United States Soccer Federation is wasting no time in lining up opponents for tune-up matches over the coming months. The latest countries to be rumored as opponents of the USMNT during the first half of 2010: Honduras and Northern Ireland.

Reports out of Central America indicate that fellow World Cup qualifiers Honduras will be coming to the U.S. at the end of January for a friendly at the Home Depot Center. The game would not fall on a FIFA international date, meaning both sides would likely field a squad full of 'fringe' players who will be jockeying to earn a place on their respective country's roster for South Africa.

A dramatic goal by defender Jonathan Bornstein in the dying seconds of the Americans' final qualifying match against Costa Rica handed Honduras the last guaranteed spot from CONCACAF qualifying, as they edged out the Costa Ricans on goal differential in the final round. Head coach Reinaldo Rueda guided the squad to a 5-4-1 record in that last round, though Los Catrachos dropped both of their games against the U.S., by scores of 2-1 in Chicago and 3-2 in San Pedro Sula.

Led by Toronto FC midfielder and former MLS MVP Amado Guevara and one-time Los Angeles Galaxy forward Carlos Pavon, Honduras will be making only their second-ever appearance in the World Cup Final and first since 1982. Ranked 38th in the world by FIFA, they have been grouped with Spain, Switzerland and Chile in Group H for next summer's main event.

Meanwhile, Prost Amerika is reporting that the United States Soccer Federation has contacted the Irish Football Association with a request to schedule a friendly against Northern Ireland (ranked 39th) in either March or May. Though such a match would be against an opponent who failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, the USSF is likely hoping to pick up a few things on a side that is regarded as playing the same general style as the English, a team the U.S. will be facing next June.

IFA President Jim Kennedy even suggested that the friendly could be moved to England in order for the federation to take full advantage of the financial rewards that would come with playing a high-profile opponent such as the U.S. Northern Ireland's largest stadium - Windsor Park - has a capacity of just 20,000, making larger English stadiums a much more attractive fit for the match.