U.S.A. 3 - Antigua & Bermuda 1: The U.S. Opens World Cup Qualifying

In front of a jubilant crowd in Tampa Bay, FL, the U.S. Men’s National Team took on Antigua & Bermuda to kick off their World Cup Qualifying campaign for Brazil 2014. Within the last month the U.S. completed a three match friendly series, which included a
comprehensive victory against Scotland, a humbling by Brazil, and a lackluster showing against Canada. The U.S. needed to get some momentum with a victory after two subpar showings and a showdown with Guatemala looming on Tuesday.  U.S. manager Jürgen Klinsmann fielded his preferred 4-3-3 formation, which led to goals from Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Hercules Gomez.  The Yanks fought off the pesky Caribbean side and won the match 3-1.

Overall it was a routine night for the stars & stripes.  The only defensive mishap came in the 70th minute when Antigua & Bermuda striker Peter Byers got away from the newly introduced Oguchi Onyewu and slotted it home. Apart from that, the passing throughout the midfield was fluid at times with Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan combining well to create scoring chances. Unfortunately for the U.S., Antigua & Bermuda were content on sitting back and putting eleven men behind the ball, which made them difficult to penetrate. With that being said, in recent weeks Klinsmann has urged his side to play more aggressive and dictate the tempo.  However, the U.S. was plenty content to move the ball around instead of pushing the game forward.  This led to a lackluster showing offensively that certainly gives Klinsmann more to think about.

The U.S. takes on Guatemala on Tuesday in Guatemala City.  On paper, this match certainly looks more appealing to U.S. fans then what will actually occur on the field. Trips to Central America are often greeted with passionate people and hostile crowds.  It will not be a picnic.  This will be the first match in which Jürgen Klinsmann truly finds out what CONCACAF qualifying is all about.  Unfortunately, midfielder Jose Torres looks to be injured after an ankle knock in tonight’s game. Carlos Bocanegra looks set to start at left back with the possible pairing of Clarence Goodson and the struggling Oguchi Onyewu at the center of defense. It is absolutely imperative that our offense clicks early. Playing at a high pace is crucial and may be the deciding factor. Come on U.S.!!

By Mike Autrey