What Went Well: Eddie Johnson started and scored both goals in his first national team appearance since 2010. Alan Gordon, making his first appearance for the national team, provided the winning assist. Michael Bradley had a lot of bite in midfield. Graham Zusi played well in the first half but faded badly in the second.
What Did Not Go Well: Jermaine Jones played poorly making bad passes, bad tackles, and getting an intentional handball in a dangerous era. Clint Dempsey was anonymous. Carlos Bocanegra, Clarence Goodson, and Geoff Cameron did not cover themselves in glory on the goal from Dexter Blackstock.
What Else: The US was a 91st minute winner from Eddie Johnson away from disaster. Drawing to a team with a population of a nation under 90,000 would have been a disaster. There is no other way to describe it. Alarm bills rang when the striker who was supposed to be in for his heading ability was put on the left wing. After the goal, the US lacked urgency and allowed Antigua and Barbuda to get back in the game. The US looked unsure of what they are doing. The substitution of Jermaine Jones was nonsensical as he did not offer anything and made no sense since the US needed a goal. It appears the team either does not have a plan or can't execute it. Not finding a way to get the best out of Clint Dempsey is inexcusable.
Now What: A win is a win and the US only needs a draw against Guatemala on Tuesday to qualify for the next section of World Cup qualifying. However, it is imperative that the US play better and Jurgen Klinsmann needs to improve to justify his paycheck.
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