Eddie Johnson revival puts U.S. on brink of advancing

Posted by Paul Carr, ESPN Stats & Information

The United States needed a 90th-minute strike from Eddie Johnson to secure a 2-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda on Friday night. The victory puts the Americans in good position to advance, entering Tuesday’s decisive match against Guatemala (6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2).

" The scenarios for the United States to advance are now relatively simple. A win or draw versus Guatemala will put the Americans into the final round, as will a loss or draw by Jamaica, which hosts Antigua & Barbuda. The U.S. could even advance with a loss and a Jamaica win if Jamaica does not make up at least three in goal difference. ESPN’s Soccer Power Index gives the United States a 97.1 percent chance to advance.

" A surprise starter, Johnson scored both American goals for his second career multigoal game. The other came in his second appearance way back in 2004, a hat trick against Panama. Johnson hadn’t played for the national team since October 2010, and his previous goal was against Barbados in May 2008.

" Ten of Johnson’s 14 international goals have been in World Cup qualifying. He’s tied with Brian McBride for second-most qualifying goals by an American, trailing only Landon Donovan’s 12 scores.

" The United States dominated the possession game with 76 percent of the ball and nearly five times as many passes completed as Antigua and Barbuda. The U.S. completed 504 passes at an 85 percent clip, compared to A&B’s 103 passes at a 62 percent rate.

" As further indication of the United States' dominance, seven Americans had more touches than Quinton Griffith, who led Antigua and Barbuda with 48. Geoff Cameron led all players with 102 touches, trailed closely by Steve Cherundolo and Michael Bradley with 99 each.

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