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U.S. National Soccer Team

Tyler Adams, Chris Richards ruled out for USMNT's World Cup qualifier vs. Honduras

Drake Hills
Nashville Tennessean

The U.S. men's national soccer team will be without Tyler Adams or Chris Richards for its Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Honduras in St. Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday night.

Adams (right hamstring) was forced to exit the Sunday's match prematurely against Canada. Richards (right ankle) played the full 90 minutes, but trotted gingerly to the end. Both Adams and Richards started the two previous qualifiers during this window, against El Salvador and Canada. The U.S. is in second place with a 5-2-3 record.

Adams, who has captained the U.S. in six of its 10 qualifiers, is the key conductor in the team's engine room. This means the absence of either Adams, or key players Weston McKennie or Christian Pulisic will not be in uniform for the U.S.

The trio, who play their club soccer with UEFA Champions League teams like RB Leipzig, Juventus and Chelsea, respectively, have played just six matches together representing their country. 

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Tyler Adams (4) reacts during a World Cup qualifying match against Jamaica in Kingston, Jamaica, on Nov. 16, 2021.

Midfielder Kellyn Acosta (47 appearances), who replaced Adams in the 69th minute Sunday, or Cristian Roldan (30 appearances) could slide in for the injured Adams. But unfortunately, the U.S. will be without arguably its best central midfielder.

Walker Zimmerman is expected to replace Richards in Wednesday starting lineup. The Nashville SC center back started with Richards against El Salvador last Thursday.

Honduras enters the match at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota as winless (0-7-3, 3 points) and the last-place team in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Follow Drake Hills on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.

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