MIAMI, Florida – When Bryan Acosta heard the statistic, it took him by surprise. The 29-year-old Honduras MF had not realized that he was playing in his fifth Concacaf Gold Cup until he was reminded, bringing a smile to his face.
To reach such a plateau before the age of 30 is noteworthy, and it is an achievement that the Colorado Rapids man does not take lightly.
“It’s very important to me. I think it shows that I’ve been doing things well and that I’m one of many young players who have been growing since their first Gold Cup. It also allows us to contribute our own share so others can grow as well,” said Acosta in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com the day before Honduras’ second match in Group B against Qatar at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Throughout those five Gold Cups, Acosta has participated in 13 games, surpassing such former great players like Donis Escobar and bringing him to within a game of former legends like Carlo Costly and Osman Chavez.
No doubt that Acosta appreciates the fact that he has been tabbed to play in so many Honduras matches at the highest level of national team football in the Concacaf region.
“Thankfully I have been in a lot of games. When one becomes a legend in the National Team, it is very important. But I’m staying calm about it and honestly, when I think about something like that, I just try to approach it as if it were my first Gold Cup game. We just have to show why we’re here,” said Acosta.
In that 13-game span, there have been many great moments for Acosta and Honduras on the field, but in particular, one that he recalls with great fondness was the 2019 Gold Cup group stage finale versus El Salvador.
Despite Honduras already being eliminated from advancing to the knockout round, the performance put forth, highlighted by his only Gold Cup goal, is one he’ll always savor.
“There are many great memories that I have. I think the 4-0 win against El Salvador was special because of the result, and that I scored, and in the way we played that game. Sadly, in that Gold Cup, we were already eliminated. But throughout all these Gold Cup games there are many great memories and I certainly hope to add more great memories after this Gold Cup.”
Heading into Thursday’s big match against Qatar, Honduras find themselves in an important moment. The team arrives into the encounter fresh off a 4-0 opening defeat to Mexico, meaning a full three points against the AFC side is imperative.
It is the type of situation that calls for experience and Acosta feels like the entire Honduras squad has the leadership skills to lead the side forward.
“I don’t think I’m any more of a leader than the others. I think all of the players here in this national team are leaders. Sometimes you’re on the field, sometimes you’re not, but I think for us older players, we can add more experience to help things go better,” concluded Acosta.
