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With shrinking margin for error, U.S. prepares to face Honduras in World Cup qualifier

SAN JOSE — It’s still mighty early in the chase for a 2018 World Cup berth, months of matches, corrections and continental treks ahead. History tells us that the United States will qualify for next year’s soccer extravaganza and, depending on pairings and performance, cope just fine against the titans of the sport.

But as the Americans and their rowdy supporters gather Friday at Avaya Stadium for the third of 10 final-round qualifiers, the passage has grown pocked with peril. Two missteps in November have left them last in the six-nation quest for three passes to Russia next summer.