ST. JOHN'S Antigua, June 9th, 2012 -- The U.S. National Team opened World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 Group A win over Antigua & Barbuda last night in front of 23,971 at Raymond James Stadium. But the win was a bit shakier than what the Americans anticipated.
Peter Byers scored in the 65th minute for Antigua. Byers who is the team’s all-time top scorer, is also the current top marksman in CONCACAF qualifying. He rounded Oguchi Onyewu with his first touch in the 64th minute and tapped past Tim Howard to silence a noisy, pro-USA crowd.
"It was a tricky game. They were difficult to break down," U.S. manager Juergen Klinsmann told reporters. "Antigua and Barbuda did a good job of defending. They made it difficult for us to create chances."
"This was a reality check. We are going to wear everyone down but we need to play faster out of the back."
Antigua presented the Americans with some awkward moments but recalled striker Herculez Gomez restored his team's two-goal advantage when he hammered home from point-blank range five minutes later.
"They should feel proud," Antigua coach Tom Curtis said about his players. "They are disappointed they didn't get closer.
"I'm proud of the players. We competed really well and gave them a scare."
The U.S. and Antigua are among 12 teams competing in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying. The top two from the three groups of four advance to a final single pool round with the leading three booking automatic berths for the Brazil finals.
In the group's other game, Jamaica opened their campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Guatemala. The next match for the U.S. is away to Guatemala on Tuesday, while Antigua are at home to Jamaica.
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