New England Soccer Today

Bengtson Summoned for WCQs

New England Revolution forward Jerry Bengtson will miss the Mar. 23 home opener after he was called up by Honduras on Thursday for World Cup Qualifying.

The 25-year-old striker will join his Honduras teammates following Saturday’s Revolution game in Philadelphia. Los Catrachos are set to face Mexico on Mar. 22, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Honduras will then travel to Panama City to meet Panama on Mar. 26.

“I am very happy every time I am called up. It’s very nice,” Bengtson said a translated statement. “I’m thrilled to be there with my teammates. I think it’s a big thrill to every player who is called up, it’s very nice.”

Bengtson’s 10 international goals since signing a designated player contract with the Revolution last summer has made him one of the hottest scorers in CONCACAF. His latest strike gave Honduras a comeback 2-1 victory over the United States at Estadio Olimpico on Feb. 6.

Revolution head coach Jay Heaps quipped that his Honduran striker returned to preseason camp a day after his decisive goal in a “very humble” mood. However, Heaps was quick to praise his potent poacher for his desire to get back into the mix.

“I told him he could’ve taken (that) afternoon to do a bike workout,” Heaps said last week at the club’s annual media day. “But instead he wanted to be out on the field with the guys, even if it was just warming up and passing. That showed me a lot about where he wants to be with this club.”

Last week, Bengtson’s 62nd minute goal helped give the Revolution a 1-0 season opening victory over the Chicago Fire. It was New England’s first win in the Windy City since 2006.

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