NEW YORK – Hen Ezra scored in the 52nd minute and assisted on Shimon Abihazira's goal in the 76th, leading Israel over Honduras 2-0 Sunday night in an exhibition soccer game at the New York Mets' Citi Field.
Ezra beat two defenders and lifted a shot over goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Abihazira took Ezra's pass and chipped Valladares.
Honduras, tied for 50th in the FIFA rankings, was preparing for World Cup qualifiers at Costa Rica on Friday, at home against Jamaica four days later and against the U.S. at Sandy, Utah, on June 18. Honduras is fourth in the six-nation final round of North and Central America and the Caribbean.
The top three qualify for next year's tournament in Brazil and the fourth-place team advances to a home-and-home playoff against New Zealand for another berth.
Ariel Harush recorded the shutout for No. 59 Israel, which is second in Europe Group F. The nine European group winners qualify, and eight second-place teams advance to playoffs.
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