HOUSTON, Texas.- One of Honduras’ all-time goal scorers returns to the Concacaf Gold Cup, as Jerry Bengtson leads the Central American nation in his second tournament appearance.
The 34-year-old forward from Santa Rosa de Aguan last participated in the tournament in the 2011 edition. He contributed with three goals in Honduras’ run to the semifinals on that occasion and is hoping to take his national team back to those heights in this year’s tournament.
“With a lot of responsibility,” said Bengtson about playing in this summer’s tournament in a press availability with his national team. “I think playing a Gold Cup is always nice. It is a great tournament that all of us here know what we are going to play. That is why we have been working hard all these days, physically, and now we are getting ready to get to the game and, really, it’s a good group and we are going to compete in the best way.”
With four semifinals appearances between 2005 and 2013, Los Catrachos have had a tough time in the last three editions of the competition. With younger players on the team, and experienced veterans like Bengtson, they hope to reclaim their spot among the Gold Cup best finishers.
With the absence of Anthony Lozano and injury precaution with Alberth Elis, coach Fabian Coito could look to the national team’s seventh all-time goalscorer for help up front. Bengtson says he relishes the opportunity to be called on by the Uruguayan manager in this summer’s showcase.
“We are doing well, the group is well motivated, knowing what we are going to play and waiting for the moment to go do things,” added Bengtson. “We have worked hard, all the forwards are working and we are waiting for the day, the 13th, how the coach is going to approach it and if given the opportunity to play, we are going to give it all so the team can get the victory.”
Honduras begin Group D play with Grenada on July 13, Panama on July 17 and Qatar on July 20. All of their matches in the group stage will take place in Houston.
