Chivas USA holding midfielder Oswaldo Minda was a late addition to Ecuador's World Cup squad – a replacement for Segundo Castillo, who a gruesome tackle during a pre-tournament friendly against Mexico – but he has been handed a surprise start in La Tri's second match, against Honduras.
This will mark Minda's 19th appearance for his nation and his first in nearly two years.
Minda, 30, provides an infusion of experience and defensive discipline, coming in for 19-year-old Carlos Gruezo, who started and went 90 minutes in last week's heartbreaking loss to Switzerland.
Minda has been with Chivas USA since the start of the 2012 season, joining from Ecuadoran powerhouse Deportivo Quito. A tough-nosed defender and steady distributor, he has made 46 appearances and scored two goals in three years in Southern California.
Minda was one of four MLS players named as starters for the Ecuador-Honduras match. Honduras's starting XI includes New England Revolution forward Jerry Bengtson, Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia, and San Jose Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez. Bernardez was a game-time decision, after limping off in the Catrachos' opening defeat to France.
