World Cup Qualifier: Canada Loses 8-1 to Honduras, Will Miss Hexagonal Round

The World Cup dreams of Canada have vanished until at least the next cycle, as they lost 8-1 Tuesday against Honduras and will not be advancing to the hexagonal round in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. The match essentially came down to a winner-take-all scenario, and the visitors were badly outmanned on the game.

For Honduras, former and current MLS players really featured prominently. New England Revolution forward Jerry Bengtson opened the scoring with a brace, beginning in the 6th minute and then again in the 16th minute. Seattle Sounders midfielder Mario Martinez (who was rumored to be a target of Chivas USA in 2011) scored a brace of his own in the 32nd minute and 61st, with an own goal by Canada's David Edgar bracketed in between. Obviously, that was more than enough to let the Canadians know that their dream was dead, but both sides scored in the final half hour of the game. Canadian forward Iain Hume scored Canada's only goal of the day off a nice free kick in the 76th minute, while former Houston Dynamo forward Carlo Costly scored a brace, with goals coming in the 28th and 88th minutes, while Bengtson scored his third of the match in the 88th minute.

Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic was a late scratch for this match, evidently due to illness. Although it is difficult to figure that he would have been the difference between an 8-1 spanking and a draw or victory, Jazic has been a major player in the Canadian backline, playing most of the team's matches through the qualifying rounds in this cycle. He was likely missed, but again, he probably wouldn't have stopped the Hondurans from really stepping up and leaving no doubt in the match.

Still, it is undoubtedly a difficult day for Jazic and Canadian soccer fans. They nearly made the hex, but they couldn't overcome the final hurdle. Nonetheless, there has to be optimism heading into the future for the national team.

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