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Zack Steffen tests positive for COVID-19, will miss USMNT’s World Cup qualifier at Honduras

Steffen, from Downingtown, was already out of the U.S.' games against Canada and El Salvador due to back spasms. He did not travel to El Salvador.

Zack Steffen, right, played against Honduras in this summer's Concacaf Nations League semifinals. He won't face them in Wednesday's World Cup qualifying game in San Pedro Sula.
Zack Steffen, right, played against Honduras in this summer's Concacaf Nations League semifinals. He won't face them in Wednesday's World Cup qualifying game in San Pedro Sula.Read moreJack Dempsey / AP
    Associated Press
    Updated 
    Published 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Goalkeeper Zack Steffen will miss his third straight World Cup qualifier when the U.S. travels to Honduras after testing positive for COVID-19.

The 26-year-old from Downingtown missed the Americans’ opening 0-0 draw at El Salvador on Thursday due to back spasms and U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter had said that Steffen also was not dressing for Sunday’s home opener against Canada.

Steffen is being replaced on the roster for Wednesday night’s game in San Pedro Sula by New York City’s Sean Johnson, who was in Nashville for a Major League Soccer match Friday, returned to New York and then traveled to Tennessee.

The U.S. Soccer Federation said Steffen, who did not travel to El Salvador, was isolated after an initial positive test, which was confirmed by additional testing completed Sunday. The USSF said one other member of the delegation, who was not identified, had tested positive and underwent the same protocol. That person also did not travel to El Salvador.

The USSF said all other potential contacts in the delegation had tested negative.

“I am fully vaccinated, which just shows we all need to stay vigilant in our effort to end the global pandemic,” Steffen wrote on Instagram. “I’m feeling all right and will join all of you in supporting our boys tonight.”

Steffen is the backup to Ederson at Mancheser City.

Johnson, 31, has made nine international appearances.

New England’s Matt Turner played in El Salvador and Nottingham Forest’s Ethan Horvath also is on the roster.

» READ MORE: After winning the Premier League with Manchester City, Zack Steffen aims to lead the U.S. men’s soccer team’s quest for trophies

Inquirer staff writer Jonathan Tannenwald contributed to this report.

    Associated Press