Gulati drops massive hint Seattle will host WCup qualifier
Seattle's soccer faithful can get the champagne on the ready.
US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati spoke to a group of American reporters on Wednesday morning ahead of the USMNT Hexagonal World Cup qualifier against Honduras (4 pm ET, beIN Sport) and he gave more than a hint that Seattle will be in the mix for a home qualifier.
See the collection of tweets from the reporters in Honduras below, including ESPN's Doug McIntyre who indicates that it will be "most likely vs. Honduras June 18."
Gulati on Seattle hosting WC Hex game."There is the possibility of an announcement." Soon?"Yes, Soon"
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) February 6, 2013
Based on Gulati's comment, seems Seattle will indeed host a qualifier in 2013, most likely vs. Honduras June 18. #usmnt
— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) February 6, 2013
Gulati coy about Seattle as a WCQ venue. Sly smile. Seems as if it will happen. We'll know soon
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) February 6, 2013
Based on Gulati press event, seems likely that soccer-mad Seattle will finally host a US World Cup qualifier this year.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) February 6, 2013
And if you're still not convinced, Gulati did also spill the news that the USMNT's five home Hexagonal matches will be played in five MLS stadiums, four of which will be soccer-specific. There are only three MLS stadiums that are not considered soccer-specific: Seattle's CenturyLink Field, New England's Gillette Stadium and D.C. United's RFK Stadium.
The USMNT will host its first home qualifier against Costa Rica at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on March 22. They will welcome Panama on June 11, Honduras on June 18, Mexico on September 10 and Jamaica on October 11.
