Late Goal Lifts Honduras To 1-0 Victory Vs. Panama

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TAMPA - A 90th-minute goal by midfielder Hendry Thomas lifted Honduras to a 1-0 victory in the opening match of the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium.

With about 1,000 fans in attendance for the first of six games to be played here during the next five days, Honduras dominated the first half. The "Catrachos" outshot the Panamanians 8-2 during that time and forced goalkeeper Jose Calderon to come up with two big saves. Panama had the better run of play in the final 45 minutes but, like the Hondurans, couldn't produce the finishing touch.

Just when it appeared the match would end in a draw and a point for each side, Thomas found himself unmarked with the ball 8 yards from the goal. That happened when a shot from just outside the penalty area by midfielder Oscar Morales landed at Thomas' feet.

With no defenders to deal with, Thomas, who plays in his country's top division for Club Deportivo Olimpia, blasted a shot past Calderon for the game-winner and three crucial points for Honduras.