ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- Although the Americans got the win they needed, beating Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 on Eddie Johnson's stoppage time header here Friday -- a victory that secured three valuable points and reduced the pressure considerably ahead of what would have been a World Cup-or-bust meeting with Guatemala in Kansas City on Tuesday -- there's no way to sugarcoat the fact that this game was a little too close for comfort for the Yanks.
To read more about how poorly the U.S. played and what this win means, you must be an ESPN Insider.
Doug McIntyre is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine. He has covered American and international soccer since 2002.
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U.S. National Soccer Team Blog
We're your regular source for all the inside info on the U.S. national team. Whether it's breakdowns of player pool developments, news and notes from the club soccer world and its impact on the American side, or game coverage, we'll bring you consistent, exclusive access and insight. Contact us with comments and tips at ESPNUSSoccerblog@gmail.com.
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Doug McIntyre
Doug McIntyre has watched or attended almost every U.S. national team game since Paul Caligiuri's "shot heard 'round the world" in 1989. He is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine and has covered American and international soccer since 2002.
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