Klinsmann tries again for first US win

Published: 07 Oct 2011 - 01:35:32

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Jurgen Klinsmann, still seeking his first victory as US national coach after two losses and a draw, hopes the Americans can turn around their recent fortunes on Saturday in a home friendly against Honduras.

The Americans, 11-3-3 all-time against their Central American rivals, will also meet Ecuador on Tuesday at Harrison, New Jersey, as the former German superstar looks for his squad to become more accustomed to his system.

"From an overall shape we're looking good," Klinsmann said. "People are starting to understand their roles.

"We need to step it up in terms of finishing things off and scoring. That will be our main focus, and we have to make it clear we have to put the ball in the net and build an inner drive to score. That comes with confidence and also with the higher pace of the game."

The US drew 1-1 with Mexico in August in Klinsmann's debut and lost 1-0 to Costa Rica and Belgium last month.

"We need to make sure we do score in these two upcoming games," Klinsmann said.

"Honduras has nothing to lose and they'll probably approach us defensively. It will be difficult to break through that defensive wall they are going to set up. Ecuador is on a roll right now. They are an up and coming nation in South America with a very strong team and very good players."

Los Angeles Galaxy playmaker Landon Donovan will miss the US matches with a right quadricep strain while Stoke City midfielder Wilson Palacios is injured and out of the Honduras lineup.

Edson Buddle, with five goals in 10 matches for FC Ingolstadt, replaced Donovan on the US roster, which also includes Danny Williams.

German-born Williams has a US passport, according to US Soccer, and with his citizenship set will be available for the week's matches, an exciting prospect for Klinsmann.

"We really want to see him with this group," Klinsmann said. "He has tremendous potential. I really want him to come in and get a first feeling for this group of players on the US team.

"He's a player with a huge upside in the next couple of years. If it's possible to integrate those elements into a camp then we will continue to do that. Talking to his coach at Hoffenheim confirms he's ready for this step."