The “World Cup” spirit is coming to Palm Beach County! The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is partnering with the U.S. Soccer Federation to host the United States Men’s National Team as they compete against Honduras at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton on October 14th at 8pm. The match will be televised live on ESPN and UniMas. This game will represent the US Men’s National Team’s inaugural visit to Palm Beach County.
The popularity of the US Men’s National Team is enormous following its dramatic journey during the 2014 World Cup. Led by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, the US Men’s National Team thrilled the nation as it advanced with a second place finish out of the Round of 16, behind the World Cup Champion, Germany. In the second round of the World Cup, the United States faced Belgium in an epic battle, eventually falling in overtime, 2-1.
The US Men’s National Team is currently ranked # 18 in the FIFA world rankings as it prepares for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, featuring teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The Honduras National Team has qualified for the last two FIFA World Cup tournaments (South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014). Honduras is currently the fourth-highest ranked team from the CONCACAF region. The United States holds a 14-4-3 lifetime record against Honduras. The game falls on a FIFA international fixture date, making all players available for selection by U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
“Honduras has proved that they are one of the top teams in CONCACAF,” said Klinsmann. “As we begin our preparation for the Gold Cup, this is a great opportunity for our players to see the type of opponent they will face next summer. We continue to find huge support around the country, so it’s exciting to bring the Men’s National Team to a place it’s never played before. We are looking forward to a great crowd at FAU Stadium.”
Since 2005, the U.S. Men's National Team has only played in South Florida once. Over the same period, the team has played in the entire state six other times: twice in Jacksonville (most recently this past June in front of 52,033 in the final Send-Off Series game before heading to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil) and four times in Tampa.
Palm Beach County has become a hotbed for soccer. The US Men’s National Team match with Honduras represents the fourth international soccer game to take place at FAU Stadium in less than two years. The US Women’s National Team has played twice at FAU Stadium, including an Olympic Victory Tour stop, following their gold medal performance in 2012. World Cup Champion, Germany, defeated Ecuador at FAU Stadium on May 29, 2013, in an international friendly match that was part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup preparation.
FAU Stadium allows for a seating capacity of nearly 30,000 spectators. In addition to international soccer, FAU Stadium has been home to a variety of high profile sporting events. The soccer resume´ will continue to grow this December when the NCAA Women’s College Cup (National Championship) calls FAU Stadium its home.
In addition to world class soccer, Palm Beach County will receive significant economic benefits from hosting the United States Men’s National Team. The game is expected to be one of FAU Stadium’s largest crowds, attracting soccer enthusiasts from across the state and region. The game will provide a major economic impact, creating an abundance of spending for the hospitality community and a surge in hotel room nights. Additionally, Palm Beach County will be showcased on a global stage as millions of households will be watching one of the most celebrated American soccer teams.
Tickets are available through ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout South Florida (including Walmart stores) and at the Wally Sanger Owl Club Center ticket office on the Florida Atlantic University campus (open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm).
For more information on the U.S. Soccer Federation or the USA Women’s National Team, visit www.ussoccer.com.
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