After playing extensively for the United States U-20 men's national team, left back Danilo Acosta appeared ready to represent Honduras during the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Those plans have been put on hold, with several reports making clear that the Orlando City defender has refused to sign official FIFA paperwork, halting any federation switch.
Acosta, 21, is on loan at Orlando from Real Salt Lake, enduring a stop-and-start club career for the past year. In 2018, he made one league appearance for RSL during the last three months of the Claret-and-Cobalt’s season, and has featured in four games for the Lions in 2019.
Originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Acosta signed a Homegrown Player deal with RSL in December 2015. Aside from appearing in 17 games in 2017, he’s now fallen out of favor under both Mike Petke (RSL) and James O’Connor (Orlando).
With Los Catrachos, Acosta could have used the Gold Cup to rediscover his form, though balked at the opportunity. Honduras arguably needed Acosta’s services, too, as they’ve lost by one goal to both Jamaica and Curacao in Group C play, eliminated before their final matchup Tuesday against El Salvador.
As matters stand, Acosta is still eligible for both the United States and Honduras. However, his future with the latter has surely taken a dent after the Gold Cup impasse.
