U.S. Qualifying Preview by Mike Autry

Qualifying resumes with the U.S. in need of maximum points

Letʼs face it, Itʼs starting to get a little tricky at the top of the Group A table with Guatemala, Jamaica, and The U.S. all tied with seven points heading into this pivotal round of World Cup Qualifying. As the U.S. head into their first match in just a little over a month, the Message from Jurgen Klinsmann should and will be clear, Win! The squad, which is made up of mostly foreign based players, will head into tonightʼs match against Antigua & Barbuda with high hopes of attaining maximum points. The only kicker is that this match will not be played in the cushy confines of an American Stadium, but rather at a relatively unknown venue, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium located in North Sound, Antigua.

The U.S. has and will face tougher venues and crowds than the one we probably see tonight, however, when venturing into the Unknown, you guessed it, you just never quite know. The U.S. will surely be up to the task tonight however and will certainly know that any slip up going forward could have lasting affects in their hopes for yet another World Cup. The U.S. will certainly be boosted by the return of Roma hardman, Michael Bradley, who missed the last round of WCQ. Clint Dempsey is also back in the side after a strong start with his club team, Tottenham Hotspur. Jurgen Klinsmann and the U.S. will certainly be looking to these two influential figures to spark the attack and provide confidence for the rest of the squad.

It certainly gets a little bit trickier after tonights visit to Antigua & Barbuda as the U.S. will once again come face to face with Guatemala at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City. This Match, which is on Tuesday Oct 16, could prove crucial. The last time these two sides met was at the hostile confines of The Estadio Nacional Mateo Flores in the heart of Guatemala City. The U.S. were fortunate to walk away with a 1-1 draw on that particular night, but you could not deny the quality of the Guatemalan side, We will need to be sharp! I hope all of you enjoy the Upcoming Qualifiers and as always, Come on U.S.!!

By Mike Autry

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