Matchday 1 of the Hexagonal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying is in the books, and three teams -- curiously, all playing on the road -- emerged on top.
That's because there were three wins to open the Hex. While the clash of the continental powers of USA vs. Mexico will grab most of the headlines, all three games will be of interest to all six teams vying for a spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Honduras 0, Panama 1
Panama, looking to go to their first-ever World Cup, got their Hex campaign off to a perfect start with a road win over Honduras. Fidel Escobar scored the game's lone goal for the visitors in the first half, and a gilt-edged chance right in front of goal was left unconverted by Los Catrachos. Panama will next host Mexico in Tuesday's matchday 2, while Honduras will hope the second time is the charm when they host Trinidad & Tobago, also on Tuesday.
Trinidad & Tobago 0, Costa Rica 2
Costa Rica are the early leaders atop the Hex standings, with the largest win of the matchday, beating T&T 2-0, also on the road. The goals came courtesy of two MLS players, Christian Bolanos (Vancouver Whitecaps) in the 65th minute and Ronald Matarrita (New York City FC) in the 92nd minute. Costa Rica will host the US national team on Tuesday in the next matchday, and Trinidad & Tobago will travel to Honduras, also on Tuesday, for their next Hex game.
USA 1, Mexico 2
El Tri completed the road sweep trifecta on Friday, beating the US 2-1, the Mexico goals courtesy of Miguel Layun and Rafa Marquez, while Bobby Wood had the Americans' tally. The US will next face a tricky test in Costa Rica, and Mexico will head to Central America to take on Panama, with both games coming on Tuesday.
