It wasn't a pretty game at all,in fact it was down right ugly for much of the game, but the USA took care of business in stoppage time to beat Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 tonight in a World Cup Qualifier. Two goals by Eddie Johnson, both assisted by other MLS players led the US.
In the 19th minute the US grabbed the lead. After a corner from Sporting KC midfielder Graham Zusi was cleared back to him, Zusi played the ball to Michael Bradley and then overlapped receiving the ball back, Zusi one timed the ball into the back post where Johnson headed it into the net to make it 1-0 to the USA. In the 25th minute though Antigua leveled, as Peter Byers was able to get around Geoff Cameron and square a ball into the middle of the box, where Clarence Goodson had slipped. Dexter Blackstock took advantage of the slip and slotted the ball past Tim Howard. The US had some chances to retake the lead, another good cross by Zusi was missed by Johnson.
In the second half the US just failed to impress. They had plenty of possession but for the most part, it was Antigua who looked more likely to score on the counter and would have with better finishing. Late on the US almost grabbed a winner off a corner as Bradley forced a very good save with a header. Finally just before stoppage time the US grabbed a winner. Off a quick throw the ball found it's way to Alan Gordon who played a nice lofted ball to the back post where Johnson had totally lost his man. Johnson headed the ball back across goal and into the net making it 2-1. The USA held on for the win and heads to Kansas City for a game against Guatemala. A draw with Guatemala on Tuesday would be enough to see the US through no matter the result between Jamaica and Antigua.
Zusi had a good first half for the US, but faded as the second half went on before being substituted for Sacha Kljestan in Zusi's 5th cap of his US career.
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