Carlos Bocanegra's goal in the eighth minute got the United States on the board in tonight's World Cup Qualifying match against Antigua & Barbuda and a late PK goal would give them a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Bocanegra alertly ran into the 18 yard box following a corner kick from Landon Donovan that was intended for Herclues Gomez. Gomez was able to head the ball on net and Bocanegra was in the right place to stuff home the rebound. Then, Clint Dempsey would add his 26th career international goal in the 43rd minute via a penalty kick after Landon Donovan was hauled down in the box on a breakaway. Dempsey buried the PK pretty much right down the middle.
The US dominated possession during the first 45 minutes, constantly generating good scoring opportunities by using a variety of one touch and combination passing, a style that new head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been trying to implement since taking over for Bob Bradley last year. Dempsey in particular had two terrific opportunities earlier in the half after making strong runs, but had his shot deflected both times.
Antigua & Barbuda, who is playing in a CONCACAF semi-final for the first time in its history, largely relied on packing its defense into its own end, content to try and defend and counter, but has had trouble containing the passing skill of the US and only once generated any type of offense, a shot from the top of the box by Dexter Blackstock, but it was redirected away from net by defender Clarence Goodson.