To close out this window of Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, the United States are hosting Honduras in Saint Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday night. The USMNT are looking to rebound from a 2-0 loss to Canada on Sunday. Playing at the new Allianz Field would usually be a treat considering the state-of-the-art stadium is a great soccer venue. The problem is the game is scheduled for Feb. 2.
Temperatures will be well below freezing at kickoff. Forecasts predict a local temperature of 4 degrees Fahrenheit at game time (7:30 p.m. ET), and wind chills will make it feel like it’s -7 degrees. Wednesday’s game will be the coldest game in national team history by a landslide.
Being outside for an extended period of time could be dangerous for anyone playing or attending the game on Wednesday night.
So why are the United States playing a February home game at an outdoor venue in Minnesota? The location was chosen for a few reasons, but coach Gregg Berhalter spoke about wanting a pro United States crowd. St. Paul was also ostensibly chosen due to its proximity to Canada to minimize travel. The U.S. played in Columbus, Ohio last week before their game in Ontario.
Against Canada the USMNT had issues passing. A goal kick that didn’t travel its usual distance led to the first Canadian goal, and the United States also botched a few set pieces.
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We’ll see how the United States respond Wednesday night. The USMNT enter the game in second place in the Concacaf table, but anything less than a win against eighth-place Honduras would feel like a letdown.