SB Nation Boston - USA 3, Antigua & Barbuda 1: United States Opens Up World Cup Qualifying With Winhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48863/boston-fave.png2012-06-08T21:34:45-04:00http://boston.sbnation.com/rss/stream/28363152012-06-08T21:34:45-04:002012-06-08T21:34:45-04:00USA Vs. Antigua & Barbuda Final Score: United States Wins World Cup Qualifying Opener, 3-1
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110903/carlos-bocanegra">Carlos Bocanegra</a> got things going early for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/united-states">United States</a> soccer team with a goal in the eighth minute and then <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110933/clint-dempsey">Clint Dempsey</a> and Herclues Gomez each chipped in with a goal to help the team to a 3-1 win over tiny Antigua & Barbuda. The win gives the US three points in their first CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying group. This was the first of six games to determine who moves on to next years "hexagonal", the event that determines which teams will qualify for the 2014 World Cup from the CONCACAF region.</p>
<p>Bocanegra scored his goal early when he was able to track down a rebound after AB netminder Molvin James stopped a strong header from Hercules Gomez off a corner from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a>. Bocanegra ran to the far post and chipped in the loose ball for the 1-0 lead.</p>
<p>The score would remain 1-0 despite multiple scoring opportunities for the US, most notably from Clint Dempsey, who was able to find seams in the compacted defense of their small island opponents. Dempsey had two golden opportunities in the span of five minutes, but both times his shot was deflected away by Marc Joseph. Just when it looked like AB would go to the break only down a goal, Landon Donovan was dragged down from behind in the penalty area and was awarded a penalty kick. Dempsey stepped up to take the kick and buried it for his 26th international goal in the 43rd minute.</p>
<p>After halftime, the US came out and continued its assault on the AB defense, but as with the first half, the Americans had trouble finishing in the final third, a problem for this squad dating back to the dawn of time. As the half wore on, the US appeared to get fatigued, and allowed a cheap goal to Michael Byers, the teams all time leading scorer. Byers snuck behind the lead footed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110911/oguchi-onyewu">Oguchi Onyewu</a> and chipped in the ball behind goalie <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110901/tim-howard">Tim Howard</a>. Onyewu was in the game for the injured Jose Torres who rolled an ankle while challenging for a loose ball.</p>
<p>The miscue seemed to light a fire under the Americans who went back on the attack and began forcing the issue again. Finally after multiple corners and strong runs into the final third, Hercules Gomez collected his own rebound after his shot was blocked and tucked it past James, who had come out of position on the initial shot. The goal provided the final margin of victory.</p>
<p>AB would generate some sustained possession in the closing minutes, but wasn't able to get a good solid chance on net. They finished with just one registered shot on goal.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/156735/terrence-boyd">Terrence Boyd</a> came on in relief of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/149731/jermaine-jones">Jermaine Jones</a> late in the match to make his first sanctioned appearance for the senior national team. This was significant because it means that Boyd, who holds dual citizenship with both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a> and the US, is now locked into playing for the Americans.</p>
<p>The US will continue its qualifying run on Tuesday night when they travel to highly hostile territory for a match with Guatemala.</p>
<p><i>For more United States Men's National Team news and analysis, visit <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer" target="_blank">SB Nation Soccer</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-revolution/2012/6/8/3073974/usa-vs-antigua-barbuda-us-opens-up-world-cup-qualifying-with-3-1-winDave Shook2012-06-08T20:19:56-04:002012-06-08T20:19:56-04:00USA vs. Antigua & Barbuda: Bocanegra Goal Helps US to 2-0 Lead At Halftime
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110903/carlos-bocanegra">Carlos Bocanegra's</a> goal in the eighth minute got the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/united-states">United States</a> 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.</p>
<p>Bocanegra alertly ran into the 18 yard box following a corner kick from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> 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, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110933/clint-dempsey">Clint Dempsey</a> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110908/clarence-goodson">Clarence Goodson</a>.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-revolution/2012/6/8/3073888/usa-vs-antigua-barbuda-bocanegra-goal-helps-us-to-2-0-lead-at-halftimeDave Shook2012-06-08T18:44:37-04:002012-06-08T18:44:37-04:00USA vs. Antigua & Barbuda: Starting Lineups Announced
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/united-states">United States</a> soccer team will open its World Cup Qualifying campaign tonight when it welcomes in Antigua & Barbuda for the first ever meeting between the two <span class="caps">CONCACAF</span> nations.</p>
<p>The game will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida and is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. <span class="caps">EDT</span>. The game can be seen on <span class="caps">ESPN</span> (English) or Galavision (Spanish) and is also available online at ESPN3.com or WatchESPN.com.</p>
<p>The starting line-ups have been announced and are as follows (subject to change):</p>
<p><span class="caps">USA</span></p>
<p>G- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110901/tim-howard">Tim Howard</a><br> D- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110906/steve-cherundolo">Steve Cherundolo</a><br> D- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110908/clarence-goodson">Clarence Goodson</a><br> D- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110903/carlos-bocanegra">Carlos Bocanegra</a><br> D- Jose Torres<br> M- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110922/maurice-edu">Maurice Edu</a><br> M- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110920/michael-bradley">Michael Bradley</a><br> M- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/149731/jermaine-jones">Jermaine Jones</a><br> F- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a><br> F- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110933/clint-dempsey">Clint Dempsey</a><br> F- Hercules Gomez</p>
<p>Antigua & Barbuda</p>
<p>G- Molvin James <br> D- MarvinMcCoy <br> D- Marc Joseph<br> D- George Dublin<br> M- Mikele Leigertwood<br> M- Keiran Murtagh<br> M- Quinton Griffith <br> M- Randolph Burton<br> M- Lawson Robinson<br> F- Akeem Thomas <br> F- Dexter Blackstock.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-revolution/2012/6/8/3073780/usa-vs-antigua-barbuda-starting-lineups-announcedDave Shook2012-06-08T15:57:34-04:002012-06-08T15:57:34-04:00USA vs. Antigua & Barbuda: US Defender Castillo Out, Johnson Doubtful
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<p>The line-ups have yet to be released for tonight’s World Cup Qualifier between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/united-states">United States</a> and Antigua & Barbuda, but we already know at least one player who won’t be in the starting 11.</p>
<p>Left back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/141638/edgar-castillo">Edgar Castillo</a>, who was a late addition to the starting line-up on Saturday against Canada and was expected to start again, will not play tonight after suffering a strained hamstring Thursday during practice. The injury isn’t considered serious, but he’ll sit out tonight.</p>
<p>In slightly more positive news, the man Castillo replaced on Saturday, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/149729/fabian-johnson">Fabian Johnson</a>, was not ruled out of tonight’s match by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Johnson suffered a strained calf muscle in warm-ups before the match with Canada. Klinsmann didn’t sound confident Johnson would be available, but didn’t rule it out either. If he misses tonight, he’ll almost certainly be ready for Tuesday’s road trip to Guatemala.</p>
<p>The match between the United States and Antigua & Barbuda is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. <span class="caps">EDT</span> and can be seen on <span class="caps">ESPN</span>.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-revolution/2012/6/8/3073488/usa-vs-antigua-barbuda-us-defender-castillo-out-johnson-doubtfulDave Shook2012-06-08T08:01:07-04:002012-06-08T08:01:07-04:00USA vs. Antigua & Barbuda: TV Schedule, Time, Location And More
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<img alt="TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 3: Edgar Castillo #15 of USA tries to get away from Tosaint Ricketts #15 of Canada during their international friendly match on June 3, 2012 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MuFT-kU1Y39-Qv5rz17RAimITLM=/0x14:1000x681/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7255230/145699860.jpg" />
<figcaption>TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 3: Edgar Castillo #15 of USA tries to get away from Tosaint Ricketts #15 of Canada during their international friendly match on June 3, 2012 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The United States soccer team kicks off its World Cup Qualifying campaign with a home tilt against upset minded Antigua & Barbuda. (7:00 p.m. EDT, ESPN).</p> <p><b>Event: </b>World Cup Qualifying, Group 1: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/united-states" class="sbn-auto-link">United States</a> vs. Antigua & Barbuda</p>
<p><b>Date/Time: </b>Friday, June 8, 2012 – 7:11 p.m. <span class="caps">EDT</span>.</p>
<p><b>Location: </b>Raymond James Stadium (Capacity: 65,857), Tampa Bay, Florida.</p>
<p><b>Broadcast Info: </b>Tonight's World Cup Qualifying match between the United States and Antigua & Barbuda can be seen on ESPN in English and Galavision in Spanish. The game is also available online at ESPN3.com or WatchESPN.com. Coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. EDT with the opening kick coming at 7:11.</p>
<p><b>Last Meeting: </b>Despite both being long-standing CONCACAF members, the two have never met on a pitch. Part of the reason is that the little Caribbean nation is in the CONCACAF semi-finals for the first time in its history, whereas the United States is attempting to qualify for the World Cup Finals for the sixth consecutive time.</p>
<p><b>Storyline: </b>For many nations, qualification for the 2014 World Cup Finals in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil" class="sbn-auto-link">Brazil</a> has already begun, and tonight in Tampa, it will for the United States as well. The US will play the first of eight matches in its CONCACAF semi-final group when it welcomes the little engine that could, Antigua & Barbuda, to Tampa for the very first meeting between the two. In order to advance to the dreaded "hexagonal" next year, the event that serves as the final qualifying event for CONCACAF, the US must finish in the top two of its four team group that also includes Jamaica and Guatemala.</p>
<p><b>Storyline II:</b> For new US manager Jurgen Klinsmann, there has been a lot of lineup shuffling and teaching in the last year since he took over for Bob Bradley after the Gold Cup, and the results have been mixed. The team has been shut out five times since Klinsmann took over, but has also managed some impressive wins, including a heretofore unheard of win against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/italy" class="sbn-auto-link">Italy</a> in Genoa. Now though, the time for learning has come to an end. The goal from here is, in the words of former Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, "just win, baby". Navigating the minefield that is World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF is always a challenge thanks to the sweltering summer heat of these Central American nations, the anti-US sentiment (and the unruly behavior that follows) among fans, and the grueling style of play that is often employed. Couple that with the fact that Klinsmann has only once managed to put his best four players on the pitch at the same time thus far, and you've got a number of challenges to overcome.</p>
<p><b>What To Watch For:</b> In that ugly scoreless draw against Canada this past weekend, the US largely failed to generate much of a competent attack because of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110920/michael-bradley" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Bradley</a> being forced to play back in the midfield with the return of star player <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110933/clint-dempsey" class="sbn-auto-link">Clint Dempsey</a> to the line-up. Against sides like Canada or this Antigua & Barbuda squad, who will pack their defense in, the US needs Bradley playing in more of a attacking position where he can utilize his electric passing skills to help unlock a compacted defense. Will Klinsmann move him forward in this match? And if he does, who sits? The US suddenly has a glut of above average forwards and attacking mids, a good problem to have, but that means tough decision will need to be made about who starts and who sits.</p>
<p>Another thing to watch is the fatigue level for the US. They played three matches in eight days against Scotland, Brazil, and Canada and looked gassed by the end of the Canada affair, struggling to do even the simplest of things with the ball. Against a side that the U23 squad could probably beat, will Klinsmann opt to rest some of his older guys like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110906/steve-cherundolo" class="sbn-auto-link">Steve Cherundolo</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan" class="sbn-auto-link">Landon Donovan</a>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110911/oguchi-onyewu" class="sbn-auto-link">Oguchi Onyewu</a> or at least limit their minutes?</p>
<p><b>Player To Watch: </b>For the US, the player(s) to watch will be the back line wing tandem of Cherundolo and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/141638/edgar-castillo" class="sbn-auto-link">Edgar Castillo</a>. Castillo was a late addition to the starting line-up against Canada thanks to the calf strain suffered by rising left back star <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/149729/fabian-johnson" class="sbn-auto-link">Fabian Johnson</a>. He subbed admirably and even had a couple of good overlapping runs into the final third to put some pressure on the back line of Canada. Defensively he was a little erratic but didn't make any ghastly errors. With Johnson out again, Castillo will likely be expected to simply hold the fort against the counter attack of their underpowered opponent. Cherundolo on the other hand has had his share of struggles the last two outings. Against Brazil, he and the rest of the defense were nothing short of atrocious in allowing four goals, by far the most in the Klinsmann era. Like Castillo, Cherundolo will need to be alert defensively as Antigua & Barbuda will try and launch vertical counter attacks. Neither can afford to be caught out of position.</p>
<p>For Antigua & Barbuda, despite the gap in talent at many positions, they do have some players that compete at a high level on the club circuit. Midfielder Mikele Leigterwood will the be man to watch for them as he will try and quarterback his squad through this difficult match-up. It was Leigterwood who was relied on to distribute from his central position for the Reading squad that won the English League Championship and a promotion to the Premiership for next season. How he handles the inevitable pressure that will be applied by the US will largely tell the story of how well Antigua & Barbuda can compete.</p>
<p><b>Prediction: </b>Antigua & Barbuda is in over its head against the United States talent wise, so expect the game to be a grind as the tiny nation packs in its defense in an attempt to mitigate the talent edge. Look for a scoreless first half followed by the US unlocking that defense midway through the second and possibly tacking on a late insurance goal to get an ugly but satisfying 3 points. <b>Final Score: United States 2, Antigua & Barbuda 0.</b></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/2012/6/8/3072033/usmnt-usa-vs-antigua-barbuda-tv-schedule-time-locationDave Shook