Orlando City SC striker Bryan Róchez may be struggling to get things going in MLS, but he’s absolutely flying on the international stage.
The Young Designated Player came up huge for Honduras in their first game at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup on Monday, scoring two goals – including a stoppage-time goal that proved the game-winner – to help Los Catrachos beat Uzbekistan 4-3 in their Group F opener.
Honduras took the lead in the fourth minute, and Róchez doubled their advantage in the 20th, collecting an expert through ball from Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Deybi Flores in the center of the box and slotting home to make it 2-0.
Uzbekistan made it 2-1 in the 31st, but Honduras restored their two-goal advantage shortly after the break, with Kevin Alvarez curling home a gorgeous free kick in the 49th. Honduras allowed Uzbekistan to claw back into the game in the 79th minute, when Eldor Shomurodo tapped home to pull the Asian side within one at 3-2.
Róchez scored again in the second minute of stoppage time, using his speed and strength to race past and then hold off a defender while collecting a long ball before easily finishing his 1-v-1 opportunity with the Uzbekistan goalkeeper. The goal proved a huge one, as Uzbekistan added a third tally in the 96th minute.
Both Róchez and Flores played all 90 minutes on Monday.
Honduras sit in second-place in Group F after the result, trailing Germany – which beat Fiji 8-1 on Monday – on goal differential. Róchez, Flores and Los Catrachos will return to action on Thursday, when they’ll face Fiji in Christchurch. A win in that game, coupled with a Germany win or tie against Uzbekistan, would qualify Honduras for the Round of 16.
