Israel shuts down Honduras in soccer friendly

National team blanks Central Americans 2-0 in New York

3 June 2013, 5:03 am Edit
Honduras's Juan Garcia (left), and Israel's Menachem Shechter (right) compete for the ball during an international friendly soccer match at Citi Field in New York, June 2, 2013. (AP/Seth Wenig)
Honduras's Juan Garcia (left), and Israel's Menachem Shechter (right) compete for the ball during an international friendly soccer match at Citi Field in New York, June 2, 2013. (AP/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK (AP) — Hen Ezra scored in the 52nd minute and set up Shimon Abihazira’s goal in the 76th to lead Israel over Honduras 2-0 Sunday in a football friendly at Citi Field.

Ezra beat two defenders and lifted a shot over goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Abihazira took Ezra’s pass and chipped over Valladares.

Honduras is preparing for three World Cup qualifiers this month. The side is fourth in the six-nation final round of North and Central America and the Caribbean qualifying.

The top three qualify for next year’s tournament in Brazil and the fourth-place team advances to a playoff against New Zealand for another berth.

Israel is second in Europe qualifying Group F. The nine European group winners qualify, while eight second-place teams advance to playoffs.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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