U.S. Escapes With World Cup Qualifier Win

It has been a number of years since the U.S. Men’s National Team faced a must-win situation in the semifinal round of regional World Cup qualifying.

But that was exactly the case on Sept. 11 when Jamaica came into Columbus Crew Stadium after beating the Americans, 2-1, four days earlier in Kingston.

The U.S. was 1-1-1 halfway through CONCACAF qualifying. That included a 1-0 home win over minnow Antigua, a 1-1 draw with Guatemala in Guatemala City, and the loss to Jamaica. By the way, the first-ever loss to the Jamaicans.

Another loss could seriously jeopardize U.S. chances of reaching the Hexagonal final round of six. Only the top two teams from three divisions in the semifinal would advance. The U.S. found itself on the bubble.

Hercules Gomez’ second-half goal off a direct kick changed all that. The U.S. dominated the first half, battered the bar and posts, but went into halftime tied 0-0. Gomez’ strike from outside the top of the penalty box came in the 55th minute of play.

With the loss to the U.S., coupled with Guatemala’s win over Antigua left Jamaica in third place. The U.S. and Guatemala are tied for first place with seven points each. Jamaica also has seven points, but trains in goal differential.

Now, the U.S. needs to win home games against Guatemala and Antigua to advance to the final round where the top three teams earn berths in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The fourth-place team in the Hexagonal will earn a home-and-home play-in series with Oceania.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann made five lineup changes from his starting roster in the loss in Jamaica. He still did not have Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley, both of whom are out with injuries.