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Honduras draw with Puerto Rico to make it into the third round

Honduras drew Puerto Rico 2-2 on Saturday to become the first team through to the third round of CONCACAF region World Cup qualifying, while Suriname and Grenada recorded impressive home results.

Honduras won the opening leg of their tie against Puerto Rico 4-0 earlier this month and Saturday’s away draw made it 6-2 on aggregate, putting them into the last 12 of regional qualifying.

In other regional second-round first-leg games on Saturday, Suriname won 1-0 at home against Guyana, modest Grenada had a 2-2 home draw against Costa Rica and Guatemala routed St. Lucia 6-0.

Honduras took the lead through Inter striker David Suazo in the 23rd minute, but New York Red Bulls forward Chris Megaloudis equalized for Puerto Rico nine minutes later.

The hosts took a surprise lead before halftime through former New York winger Petter Villegas. Honduras drew level when Wigan Athletic’s Wilson Palacios scored in the 52nd minute.

Grenada, ranked 143rd in the world, clung on for a 2-2 draw in their home leg against Costa Rica, who have reached three of the past five World Cups.

Defender Patrick Modeste put Grenada ahead in the 20th minute and seven minutes later Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts made it 2-0.

However, Armando Alonso scored before halftime to pull one back for Costa Rica and Wisla Krakow defender Junior Diaz equalized for the visitors in the 75th minute.

Suriname did manage to hold on for an upset win at home, downing neighbors Guyana 1-0 thanks to a 53rd minute goal by midfielder Clifton Sandvliet.

Guatemala’s 6-0 home thumping of Caribbean minnows St. Lucia was more predictable.

Los Angeles Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz scored four goals after Freddy Garcia opened the scoring. Substitute Abner Trigueros added the final goal.
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