Clint Dempsey's 36th-minute strike was enough to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Honduras in a friendly international football match, their first triumph under coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
Klinsmann, the former German superstar who was named coach of the United States on July 29, had presided over a 1-1 draw with Mexico in August and 1-0 defeats to Costa Rica and Belgium in September.
"It's huge for all of us. You don't ever want to go a long period of time without winning," goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "We performed well, I think, and we're trying to set a foundation, but ultimately you have to win. That was the focus coming in."
Klinsmann said he knew his players were eager to deliver a victory for him.
"This team is hungry for success," Klinsmann said. "They want to do well and get the results right."
The United States had several scoring opportunities in the first half, an indication that they are getting to grips with Klinsmann's system.
Howard had several good saves to help make sure Dempsey's goal stood up.
"I didn't know if the ball was going to come through, I got a little lucky," said Dempsey, who scored his 23rd international goal with a left-footed shot from the top of the penalty area after gaining control of a pass from Brek Shea.
"I took my time. I was going to take it with my right foot but saw it was going to be blocked, so I pulled it back to my left and couldn't have hit it any sweeter."
Dempsey's header in the 84th was disallowed for offside.
Danny Williams started in his US debut, eight days after he received his US passport.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is the son of an American serviceman and a German mother, joined German club Hoffenheim from Freiburg in late August and made his first start for Hoffenheim against Bayern Munich last weekend.
"It was great -- I had goose bumps," Williams said. "When I heard the national anthem played I said, 'Wow! This is the first time playing for the US national team.'"
Saturday's match continued the USA's preparations for CONCACAF regional qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. They will take on Ecuador in a friendly on Tuesday at Harrison, New Jersey.
Source: AFP
