Every time Boyd Okwuonu puts on the U.S. National Team jersey, it’s a special moment. That he will do it in front of his home crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday in the semifinal round of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Honduras is even more special.
“It’s always a blessing to represent your country,” Okwuonu said on The Bill & OC Show on ESPN 700 on Thursday. “The fans are usually seeing me with a Real Salt Lake jersey when I play. It’s going to be wonderful for them to see me representing the country as well. I’m happy about that.”
Okwuonu and Real Salt Lake teammate Luis Gil will team up on Saturday as the U.S. looks to reach the tournament final, but a win over Honduras will also clinch a spot in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, as the top two finishers in CONCACAF earn automatic berths and the third-place team faces off with Colombia for a chance at a third team from the region to qualify.
The U.S. stormed through the Group Stage with wins over Canada (3-1), Cuba (6-1) and Panama (4-0). Now with Honduras on Saturday, the U.S. faces a team that went 2-1-0 in Group B, only losing to Mexico in the final match of the group.
And while it is a formidable foe, Okwuonu is more focused on what is going on with the U.S. heading into a crucial match.
“We just focus on us. That’s what’s most important,” he said. “Nothing changes because we’re playing Honduras, it’s just a different opponent. We’re going to take the same gameplan we always do.”
Okwuonu has gained valuable experience in his first professional season, even while bouncing between Real Salt Lake and the Real Monarchs while also balancing time with the U.S. U-23 National Team in various matches around the world.
Okwuonu has three appearances for Real Salt Lake this year, including his first MLS start on July 11 against the Colorado Rapids. He also started in RSL’s fourth-round U.S. Open Cup match against Seattle Sounders FC 2. In addition to his time with RSL, Okwuonu also made 12 starts for Real Monarchs SLC in the USL.
“It’s been wonderful. I’ve definitely enjoyed my rookie year,” he said. “I love it here in Salt Lake. Great coach, great teammates and, most importantly, great fanbase.”
To hear the full interview, click here.
