SAN JOSE — From the young sensation to the new-old coach, from the veteran forward returning from a heart ailment to the captain whose place had been questioned, the U.S. men’s soccer team expected a forceful response to a recent rotten turn.
Not even the most optimistic member of the delegation, however, could’ve forecast Friday night’s thunderous reply.
Clint Dempsey recorded his second career hat trick, pulling within two goals of the program record, and 18-year-old Christian Pulisic stamped his place on the playmaking role as the Americans roared to a 6-0 victory over Honduras in a World Cup qualifier before 17,729 at Avaya Stadium.