US, Weston McKennie beat cold, Honduras in dominant win

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The U.S. strategically picked frigid Minnesota for this match to minimize travel time, maintain consistency of conditions and, of course, gain an edge over an opponent from a tropical country.

The Americans sure didn't need the advantage against winless Honduras.

They have a commanding, complete and confidence-boosting performance to build on, once they thaw out.

Weston McKennie and Walker Zimmerman had first-half goals to give the U.S. an early spark on a frigid night and a fresh Christian Pulisic scored after entering in the second half, leading the Americans past Honduras 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night.

"Right from the opening whistle," coach Gregg Berhalter said, "I knew that we were in good control."

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United States' Weston McKennie (8) celebrates a goal with teammates Kellyn Acosta (23), Reggie Cannon (4), Antonee Robinson (5), Tim Weah, (21) and Ricardo Pepi (18) during the first half of the team's FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match against Honduras, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in St. Paul, Minn.  (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

Goalkeeper Matt Turner didn't have to make a single save for the Americans, who emerged from the pandemic-altered schedule — forcing games in January and February — in second place with three matches to go. The U.S. outshot Honduras 16-2 and had 71.8% possession.

"Once you get in that game mode, you just are out there competing, and that’s all that really matters," Zimmerman said.

The kickoff temperature was 3 degrees (minus-16 Celsius) with a minus-14 wind chill at Allianz Field, selected by the U.S. Soccer Federation along with Columbus, Ohio,