Key Issues That Will Shape USA's International Friendly with Honduras

Jurgen Klinsmann tested the United States men's national team against Ecuador in the first friendly of this international break.

As for the second friendly, the Americans are playing Honduras primarily because they were available.

"The U.S. national team has filled the remaining hole in its fall schedule with an Oct. 14 game against Honduras," wrote Brian Straus for Sports Illustrated back in August. 

Klinsmann may have wanted to send his side off with a probable result. Per Straus, the Americans are 14-4-3 all-time against Honduras.

But let's be truthful with each other. In the run-up to this friendly with Honduras, the talk on most American supporters' lips will only partly deal with what will happen on the pitch.

Ready or Not...

Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

There I go, turn the page.

Landon Donovan's departure from the United States men's national team felt like the following scene from the epic Chevy Chase comedy, Fletch:

"

Doctor: You know, it's a shame about Ed.

Fletch: Oh, it was. Yeah, it was really a shame. To go so suddenly like that.

Doctor: He was dying for years.

Fletch: Sure, but... the end was very... very sudden.

Doctor: He was in intensive care for eight weeks.

Fletch: Yeah, but I mean the very end, when he actually died. That was extremely sudden.

"

Donovan was the star of his own teledrama all summer before and during the 2014 World Cup, which was sort of remarkable in as much as he did not even make the American team. He finally exited stage left against Ecuador.

And, well, it sort of feels sudden, right? That the Americans will now embark on a future without their iconic No. 10?

No matter what you think of Donovan, dealing with the loss of a player who "has recorded more international goals (57) and assists (58) than any other American man," per Andrew Keh of The New York Times, is a significant task for Jurgen Klinsmann and his staff.

Hot Enough for You?

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Boca Raton in October is still pretty warm.

After playing in nearly perfect soccer weather against Ecuador in East Hartford, Connecticut, last week, the Americans will now take on the Hondurans in a climate that probably suits the visiting side more.

Boca Raton, Florida, will host this friendly. Per weather.com, temperatures are expected to be in the 80's at kick off, with humidity over 70 percent.

Certainly the Americans dealt with more stifling conditions this summer in Brazil. But that was summer time in America, too.

This American roster does feature players whose club sides play in warm climates (notably Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes). But for players like DeAndre Yedlin, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones, this blast of Florida heat will be an unwelcome reminder of the long, hot summer.

Getting the Band Back Together

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Bradley and other prominent American players return for this match with Honduras.

American soccer fans will be heartened to see a much stronger side take the pitch against Honduras than the one that faced Ecuador.

With apologies to Bobby Wood and Joe Gyau (get well soon, Joe), the American varsity is largely back to face Honduras.

"After a 1-1 draw against Ecuador on Friday night, U.S. national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann has called up six MLS-based players—including five Designated Players—ahead of Tuesday night's matchup against Honduras," noted Simon Borg for MLS Soccer.

Among the oft-capped Americans returning for this match are Bradley, Dempsey, Jones and Graham Zusi.

Another Day, Another Goalkeeper

Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images

It is likely to be Rimando's turn to mind the American goal.

Klinsmann tipped his hand with reference to who will start in goal for the Americans against Honduras.

"Klinsmann told the media he plans on giving each keeper a full match as the United States takes on Ecuador on Friday and Honduras next Tuesday," wrote Kyle Lynch for NBC Sports.

Well, Brad Guzan started against Ecuador and played the full 90 minutes plus stoppage time, and he is already on his way back to Aston Villa.

"Six players who were on the roster for Friday's 1-1 tie against Ecuador in Hartford, Connecticut, were returned to their clubs," including Guzan reported USA Today.

So it will be Nick Rimando against Honduras, one has to presume. Which is no problem.

"Rimando has played his entire career in the MLS, where he holds the league record for most clean sheets. The four-time MLS All-Star is known for his lightning quick reflexes, often making saves from point-blank range," Lynch continued in his NBC Sports report.

As usual, whatever problems the USMNT may have, goalkeeping is almost never one of them.

Honduras Will Not Roll over

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Garcia (left) is a tough customer.

The Americans must be ready for a stern test from Honduras, because they are bringing a competitive side to Boca Raton.

"Houston Dynamo midfielders Boniek Garcia and Luis Garrido, San Jose Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez, Chivas USA midfielder Marvin Chavez and Sporting Kansas City midfielder Jorge Claros" are all on the roster for Honduras against the Americans according to an MLS Soccer report.

Premier League fans might also recognize Hull City's Maynor Figueroa on the Honduras roster.

Klinsmann's men cannot take any international side lightly, anyway, as difficult as goals can be to come by for the Americans. This match projects to be as cagey and tight-fisted as most USMNT friendlies as a result.