James Tyler: Been a pleasure, Rog. As always.

James Tyler: Bye! See you Tuesday! 6.30pm ET! And look for the grades on ESPNFC.com soon.

James Tyler: Cheers, all! Goodnight! Follow us on Twitter!
@JamesTylerESPN
@rogbennett
@JeffreyCarlisle
@PCarrESPN

James Tyler: IN EDDIE JOHNSON WE TRUST. More revered than the bald eagle, Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon.

James Tyler: I'm a massive Wu-Tang fan, JG. So it's a Banana Nutriment for me.

James Tyler: Go enjoy your weekends, folks! Eddie Johnson is our collective designated driver. EJ doth not disappoint.

Roger Bennett: Go Von Trapps

James Tyler: Right then. So 6.30pm ET/5.30pm CT

Roger Bennett: USA
USA
USA

James Tyler: Right. We must close shop. Post-game reflections must be dealt with. I must eat dinner. Sorry, drink dinner.

Roger Bennett: that is kick off

Roger Bennett: 6 pm CT

James Tyler: Locate kick-off time (I don't have it handy) and wind the clock back 30 minutes. We'll start then.

James Tyler: Amen, Stenton.

James Tyler: And in my heart, too, Will.

James Tyler: 96% chance of making it to the next round.

James Tyler: Given Jones' suspension, might be no choice. Unless Beckerman is hauled back from Exile.

James Tyler: And the game will be on ESPN2. So there's that.

James Tyler: Now, we segue to Tuesday night. Another Boot Room if you'd care to join us. Rog in KC, Me in the office and Jeff Carlisle in the mix too. And more statistical glee.

James Tyler: That said, a win! An improbable, possibly undeserved win!

James Tyler: That was the biggie. Really, Gomez should be Altidore'd for a bit. Though he'll probably recuse himself and turn full emo after tonight. Alas.

James Tyler: Indeed. The official yoga bag manufacturer of the USMNT.

Roger Bennett: Klinsi wants new kit deal with Lululemon JT?

PCarrESPN: USA odds to advance currently at 96.8%, per SPI. Will change slightly with other result.

James Tyler: Neither here nor there. Really though, hard for any of the US midfield to do much tonight. Simply devoid of ideas.

James Tyler: Eddie Johnson in relaxing Downward Dog pose. Jermaine Jones in crab pose. Whole dressing room undergoing massive spiritual cleanse.

James Tyler: I can hear Jurgen Klinsmann's OMMMMMMM chants from here.

Roger Bennett: Going to keep it bright and breezy

James Tyler: Rog, be careful when you chat with Clint Dempsey next week. He'll be in a bitey mood, I reckon.

James Tyler: Long stretches of pain punctuated by stabbing seconds of pure joy. Just like being married.

Roger Bennett: Best US player tonight?

James Tyler: Seriously though, what an ad for football. If you gutted this one out, you're a bonafide hardcore fan.

Roger Bennett: USA
USA
USA

James Tyler: Mr. Jeff Carlisle. Expect them to be tumultuous and fun, Devin.

Roger Bennett: Hats off to A&B. They were remarkable tonight -- and to fail to note that is to do them an injustice.

James Tyler: I'm the burnt ends to your baby back ribs, Rog. Be sure to indulge in plenty of both next week.

Roger Bennett: Follow us on the twitter...

@rogbennett (uppers)

@jamestylerespn (downers)

James Tyler: The other side of the coin. And worth noting. For every gutsy, orgiastic last-second win, there's a devastated loser.

James Tyler: Rog, can you bring me a plate of Arthur Bryant's back please?

Roger Bennett: I predict the first 45 minutes against Guatemala will be very different. expect an atmosphere as spicy as the barbecue in Kansas. I can't wait.

James Tyler: I'd be more worried if I was Herculez Gomez.

PCarrESPN: USA win means Jamaica cannot advance tonight.

James Tyler: Man United does it all the time, Wendell. And it wins them trophies from time to time.

Roger Bennett: Honestly, this game was always going to be close. So, so hard to play against a team treating this like a cup final, on a terrible field, in that environment. Don't be disheartened. The US will qualify, and I think the Hexagonal part of the tournament may actually be EASIER than this segment. Hail Jurgen. Hail Eddie J. Jozy who...

James Tyler: Crikey; the backlash after just 2 minutes.

James Tyler: True, but it did tonight. Just about.

James Tyler: If you did, I'd like some Powerball numbers.

James Tyler: Who imagined 90 minutes of turgidity shattered by two brilliant Eddie Johnson headers?

James Tyler: So, who saw this coming?

James Tyler: THEY THINK IT'S ALL OVER. It is now. The ref blew the whistle.

PCarrESPN: USA guarantees advancement with win/draw vs Guatemala. Could also move on w/ a loss, pending other results.

James Tyler: Ehh, do it anyway. It'll feel natural after the third or fourth go.

Roger Bennett: Bubba Watson would be proud

James Tyler: Whipped in to the near post and cleared. BREATHE. Lofted up again, Blackstock knocks it down for Stefan Smith but he can't shoot. And he's offside.

Roger Bennett: Come on every body. USA! USA! USA!

James Tyler: Late late late corner for A&B...

James Tyler: A man who seemed permanently on the fringe of the US national team has a mini-renaissance in Seattle, is brought in from the cold and scores a pivotal brace in a wretched game.

James Tyler: Stunning stuff, really. Into the second minute of injury time and we're all acting like we knew this would happen.

PCarrESPN: Johnson ties Brian McBride for 2nd on USA's WCQ scoring list with 10 goals.

PCarrESPN: 2nd multi-goal game for Eddie Johnson. The other was a hat trick in...2004!

Roger Bennett: The American Lampost, JT. Yes it does...

James Tyler: Rog, does that make Eddie Johnson the American Edin Dzeko?

James Tyler: Right flank cross, EJ unmarked, nodded under Molvin James.

James Tyler: Eddie Johnson's second header of the night! Seriously. Simple stuff. Easy. But no less gorgeous on the eye.

Roger Bennett: All a bit Manchester City for my liking... but three points is three points...

James Tyler: Look at you all in your caps locked glory now, commenters! Minutes ago you'd gnawed your faith down to nothing...

Roger Bennett: HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT AMERICA?

James Tyler: ALL YE OF LITTLE FAITH

Roger Bennett: USA USA USA

Roger Bennett: GET INNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

James Tyler: THAT IS INSANE

James Tyler: Some epic "cramps" for A&B as the seconds ebb away.

Roger Bennett: 89 minutes...

James Tyler: SUB FOR A&B: Peter Byers off, Stefan Smith on. First A&B sub.

Roger Bennett: To offer a bit of perspective, the population of Antigua & Barbuda is roughly the same as Scranton, PA.

James Tyler: An A&B break but poor decision making in possession wastes a wide open striker inside the box. Goodson tidies up.

James Tyler: tick... tock... tick... tock...

James Tyler: 87 minutes....

Roger Bennett: short is a euphemism for badly

Roger Bennett: Corner... US play it short

James Tyler: Second corner, Goodson heads wide from 15 yards out.

James Tyler: MOLVIN JAMES. Reflex save from Bradley's glancing nod. My heavens..

James Tyler: ARGH

James Tyler: Corner...

Roger Bennett: Two set pieces. two chances. No goals.

James Tyler: Chance! Eddie Johnson finds Bradley inside the box, he's felled by Dublin from the side/behind. Ref says no PK. Bradley has some choice words of his own for the A&B midfielder. Now, some handbags.

Roger Bennett: LORDY

PCarrESPN: Good work by Bradley to kill the clock by getting angry.

Roger Bennett: Bradley got flattened and did not care for it at all...

James Tyler: Repaid some of Klinsmann's faith.

James Tyler: I've been mildly impressed by Eddie Johnson. The one American who's tried to do well.

James Tyler: 84th minute.

PCarrESPN: If this result holds, USA still advances with a win vs Guatemala. Could also advance with tie or even loss, depending on Guatemala-Jamaica result and tiebreakers.

Roger Bennett: Serious question: can you name one American who has impressed tonight?

James Tyler: In great pain must come humor, PJ.

James Tyler: Another shot on Molvin James. He spills it but smothers the loose ball.

James Tyler: Game kicks off at 10pm ET. No Boot Room for that, sorry.

PCarrESPN: Starts at 10 ET.

James Tyler: Brilliant, Jim.

James Tyler: Chance for A&B! It's all happening! Shot from the top of the box grazes the outside of the post. Byers with a superb shot.

Roger Bennett: US playing as if they are hoping to pump up ESPN's ratings Tuesday night

James Tyler: Chance for USA! Kljestan's rasping drive takes a deflection and forces a lovely save from Molvin "Tubby" James.

PCarrESPN: That's one shot on goal for USA this half.

Roger Bennett: That was close

James Tyler: USA trying to find a way through but A&B's two banks of four is well organized.

Roger Bennett: OH LORD

Roger Bennett: Unorthodoc parry there but it worked...

James Tyler: 10 minutes left. Break out the cyanide pills and Budweisers!

James Tyler: Chance for A&B: Quinton Griffith has a shot from the edge of the box. Deflects off an Antiguan for a goal kick.

James Tyler: 12 minutes left. USMNT in possession. Jones fouled just inside the A&B half.

James Tyler: It would appear that yes, Sacha is still hair-lipped.

James Tyler: SUB FOR USMNT: Graham Zusi off, Sacha Kljestan on.

Roger Bennett: Jurgen in post match conference with straight face: Tonight, our shorts were just too long...

James Tyler: Just build a big bridge. It'll work.

Roger Bennett: JT. GET ON IT would you?

James Tyler: USA & Brazil.

Roger Bennett: OK. if Antigua can partner with Barbuda to become a superpower. Who should USA partner with to move to the next level?

James Tyler: A&B hoofing it long and hoping Goodson slips again. He does well to rebuff Peter Byers and pass it back for Howard to clear.

James Tyler: As expected, it was Jermaine Jones doing the tackling that let to Dublin's minor injury.

James Tyler: George Dublin is down for A&B.

James Tyler: Long ball into the box. Zusi overhits his cross. Sadness.

James Tyler: Slick interplay near the edge of the A&B box but Bradley's shot is blocked. Francis Angulo hoofs it downfield. Byers called for the foul on Clarence Goodson.

PCarrESPN: Alan Gordon gets first cap. Last American to score in his debut was Juan Agudelo in 2010.

James Tyler: Zing.

James Tyler: 73rd minute. USMNT sending plenty of players forward. Almost a 2-3-5 formation at the moment.

James Tyler: Alan Gordon, the everyman who successfully humanized David Beckham during his first season in Los Angeles. A legend.

James Tyler: SUB FOR USA: Herculez "Leadfoot" Gomez off, Alan Gordon on.

James Tyler: Foul called in midfield against the USMNT.

James Tyler: He's injured.

James Tyler: Chip into the box by Gomez is just too high for Dempsey to get a header on it.

Roger Bennett: Here's is Gordon... not Gomez's greatest night in a US jersey

James Tyler: Paul! You're harshing my mellow with your steely truth!

James Tyler: Sorry if your comments are not getting through as you'd like. Literally thousands to flick through while game's ongoing.

PCarrESPN: Still no shots on goal for USA this half.

James Tyler: Home field is a big thing for the USMNT.

James Tyler: Chance for A&B! So close! Zaine Francis' 25-yard shot skids just wide of Howard's left-hand post! Lovely spin off Bradley to make room for the shot.

Roger Bennett: If Antigua and Barbuda have a 30 for 30 equivalent, there will be a documentary about this game running on it in 10-12 years

James Tyler: Sunil has coveted Klinsmann for years now, even prior to Bob Bradley. He won't give up on him now.

James Tyler: A win vs. Guatemala still gets the US moving forward, Ken. And no, I don't think Klinsmann will get fired with a draw tonight.

James Tyler: 20 minutes left. Gomez does well to actually control a long pass to feet. Wins a throw-in on the right flank.

Roger Bennett: Brilliant comment via Men In Blazers site: @M_Hougendobler @MenInBlazers Is this Antigua vs. Barbuda? Confused.

James Tyler: Silly, Coach. Too much hyperbole.

PCarrESPN: If USA draws here, a win over Guatemala still puts them through.

James Tyler: Paul Statsie can correct me, but the percentages go down dramatically for US advancement if they draw tonight.

James Tyler: Rain still at deluge levels.

James Tyler: Cramps setting in for A&B.

Roger Bennett: All a bit Manchester City so far right?

James Tyler: All very gingerly done.

James Tyler: It is all too static, indeed Aaron. Players taking possession standing still.

Roger Bennett: Stay calm JT. CALM

James Tyler: Rog, any words of wisdom? Mantras worth chanting?

Roger Bennett: Do you think Jurgen prepares his post match speech before the game? Pick 3 of 5: Bad Pitch, heat, rain, injuries, Knockwurst?

James Tyler: 25 minutes to play.

James Tyler: Seriously. Jermaine Jones will miss Tuesday's game thanks to the booking. He bumps Blackstock as the pair tussle for a high ball. Smart lad.

James Tyler: Chance for the US! Gomez through on goal but another dismal first touch. Molvin James scoops it up.

James Tyler: Bradley and Zusi trying to make it happen. Ball wide by Dempsey for Eddie Johnson. All a bit crazy.

Roger Bennett: For those who are not watching. Here is your happy moment:

http://youtu.be/xN9h0yaYeSU

James Tyler: 64th minute.

PCarrESPN: 7 yellows for Jones in his last 11 games. He'll miss the Guatemala game.

James Tyler: Seriously. Jermaine Jones will miss Tuesday's game thanks to the booking. He bumps Blackstock as the pair tussle for a high ball. Smart lad.

Roger Bennett: Because it's Jermaine Jones. Contractually obliged to get a yellow.

James Tyler: Free kick, USMNT. Wide right. Deep in A&B territory. Launched in and overhit. Goodson pushed over as the ball's swung in. No foul. Nothing.

Roger Bennett: Yes Rodney. We are spoiled for choice.

James Tyler: Exactly! Klinsi would agree. Get your chi in order and the good vibes shall radiate from the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Roger Bennett: Goodson hits the turf. The image of frustration...

PCarrESPN: A&B currently has 2 shots on goal to USA's 1.

James Tyler: Cameron quarterback-styling a long ball crossfield in search of Zusi. He can't corral it but US keeps possession. Bradley smacks a long ball for Eddie Johnson but it's overhit. Griffith chaperones it out before EJ can get it.

Roger Bennett: Opportunity for the US here... Gomez hacked down. Set piece is looking like the best opportunity to score...

James Tyler: If LFC fired its manager after every bad game, we'd have approx 35 managers a season.

Roger Bennett: (AVB out)

James Tyler: Free kick, A&B inside the US half. Quinton Griffith can't resist SHOOTING from 40+ yards. Amazingly, it doesn't go in.

James Tyler: Better from the US: Good vision by Cameron to pick out Zusi down the right, but his cut-back cross is hit behind the US strikers. Gomez in particular out-ran the ball.

Roger Bennett: A&B's shorts seem to have been inspired by the "John Stockton collection"

James Tyler: Just over 30 minutes to play.

James Tyler: Quinton Griffith blazes a shot wide for A&B.

James Tyler: Not sure, Anthony. It's just ingrained. A reflex. DNA, even.

PCarrESPN: Jones misses next match if he gets a yellow.

James Tyler: No.

James Tyler: THAT will do it.

James Tyler: SUB FOR USMNT: Danny Williams off, Jermaine Jones on.

PCarrESPN: 77% possession for USA.

James Tyler: Moments later, Cherundolo has a good run down the other flank but can't keep it in play in order to make a cross.

Roger Bennett: US still only have one shot on target. one.

James Tyler: Eddie Johnson with a good run down the left, splits the double-team defending but his centering pass for Dempsey is taking off Clint's boot.

James Tyler: USA still utterly bossing possession.

James Tyler: I'm listening to Springsteen too, Rog. And wearing a shirt covered in eagles.

James Tyler: Would love to see that happen. An entire country in a single stadium, Seytom.

Roger Bennett: America it has come to this... you have two English gents leading your cover it lives, and we are the only ones quietly chanting "USA. USA. USA"

James Tyler: 54 minutes gone.

James Tyler: Right, back to the action of which there has been little in the second half.

James Tyler: It's worse than that, Rog. Positively Michael Owen-esque.

Roger Bennett: Having said that... Gomez's first touch tonight can only be descried as "Altidore-esque"

James Tyler: (grabs popcorn, sits back for responses)

James Tyler: Sweden came from behind to beat the Faroe Islands!

James Tyler: Italy was tied with Armenia until the final 25 minutes earlier today. It happens.

James Tyler: Agreed, Rog. Hard to come out all guns blazing for every single game. Look at England is right.

Roger Bennett: Look at England v Montenegro last year... qualifying is hard for everyone. please don't beat up on our lads too hard... there is still 38 minutes to play..

James Tyler: 52 minutes gone. Despair creeping in. Evolving to gnawing, stomach-turning existential dread. 1-1.

Roger Bennett: Exactly

James Tyler: It's like the Beatles turning up at Shea Stadium to a crowd full of Bob Dylan fans, Rog.

Roger Bennett: Shadlee you are right. Better personel. Better coaching.

Roger Bennett: US coming to A&B is, according to the Prime Minister, the biggest thing to happen on the island in a decade. No joke. This is the world cup final for A&B. their players are committed to having the game of their life. What upsets me is that the US seems unprepared for that reality...

James Tyler: Molvin James is fine. He's up. Just a three minute delay this time.

James Tyler: Yes, the new Nike Horseshoe PowerMax.

James Tyler: Chance for the US! Dempsey plays Gomez in behind the defense, his first touch is dreadful and the ball skips away to Molvin James. Gomez clatters into James (thanks, momentum) and the A&B goalie is now going to spend 10 minutes receiving medical attention. Lamentable, really.

James Tyler: Agree, Rog. Wonder if CONCACAF in general is enjoying facing the USMNT more and more these days. Much less fear.

James Tyler: Ball from Cameron intended for Eddie Johnson down the left is mishit. Throw-in, A&B.

Roger Bennett: The way Antigua play, this game was always going to be a close physical battle. What has surprised me is their willingness to push forward -- they are playing without fear here

James Tyler: 42 minutes for the USMNT to score 10 goals and ease everyone's fears.

James Tyler: Careful. Check with your landlord first. Could be a hazard. Toxic fumes, too.

Roger Bennett: Right now I would settle for losing the panic... looking very rattled. need to settle down. Move the ball upfield and use a set piece to nick the goal we need.

James Tyler: Chance for the USMNT: good play by Eddie Johnson down the left. Leaves his marker for dust and floats in a good cross for Dempsey. The Spurs man nods well wide. Shame.

James Tyler: Rog, what do you want to see from the USMNT? Besides effort.

James Tyler: We're off for half number two.

James Tyler: Russia looked good in stifling Ronaldo and Portugal, too. Spain is Spain. Easy vs. Belarus.

James Tyler: Muscular run down the right, low near-post cross and Goodson fell over. Tap-in for Dexter Blackstock.

James Tyler: Germany looked amazing. England made heavy work of San Marino for a while. Not many memorable games, TANTO, though I do think Belgium did well to beat Serbia away from home.3-0 final.

Roger Bennett: US one shot one goal....

James Tyler: Could be much simpler: put Eddie J up front.

Roger Bennett: Cheer up. 1989. Bob Ley... MAGIC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaycfnZSW0c

PCarrESPN: Clint Dempsey completed 78% of his passes in the 1st half. Only Gomez was lower among USA field players (71%).

James Tyler: Teaching a "lesson." Though hardly good when the rest of the class is stuck in Antiguan detention.

James Tyler: Don't think it was a source of pride.

James Tyler: Nah. These are professionals. One of them plays alongside Aaron Lennon. I think players do struggle to adjust to international play given the chemistry/lack of prep, but you don't see teams like A&B winning World Cups for a reason. Class *should* prevail. In theory.

Jeff Carlisle: To follow on from Paul's comment about Gomez, he was so quiet in the first half. Yes lack of service is part of it, but A&B's center backs are killing him. Time for a more classic #9 presence perhaps?

Roger Bennett: Follow us on twitter:

@rogbennett (optimistic, USA USA USA)

@jamestylerespn (slightly pessimistic)

@pcarrespn (lost in numbers)

James Tyler: FIFA lets teams size their pitches within a range of widths and lengths. No uniform size. Ergo, some big/spacious, some narrow/confining.

Roger Bennett: That's it... it is not the tactics. nor the personel. It is the Chi of the locker room. SORT IT OUT JURGEN

James Tyler: Misting the room with incense, some I Ching. A melange of eastern philosophies.

Roger Bennett: JT. Are you a seer?

James Tyler: Rog, I think he's reading from the Bhagavad Gita.

Roger Bennett: What do you think Jurgen is saying to the lads at half time?

PCarrESPN: USA's most frequent passing connection: Cameron to Bocanegra (13 times).

James Tyler: Actually, I guess this is as bad as that.

James Tyler: Good point, Rog. Oh how far things have come. Remember Steve Sampson? Losing 2-1 to Iran? What misery.

Roger Bennett: It could be worse. it could be 1988. Here's some half time reading. My piece on how the USA used to be the minnows, Mighty Ducking their way to the World Cup
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/relegationzone/id/352?cc=5901

Roger Bennett: What is odd is that Howard, Boca, Cherundolo, Dempsey all knew what to expect tonight. Yet all have seem borderline numb

James Tyler: Joe Corona and Alan Gordon. Maybe Nick Rimando can play CF for a change?

James Tyler: Slow. Confused. Lacking urgency. Not decisive enough. Klinsmann's fault or the players themselves?

PCarrESPN: Gomez was dead last on USA with 8 touches. every other field player had at least 29

James Tyler: Just not getting service, Sal. Hard for a striker to do well or do much without the ball. At least in mudfights like tonight.

James Tyler: USMNT not quite getting into rhythm. Nice goal by Eddie Johnson but poor/sloppy defending has given A&B an oddly deserved lifeline. Dexter Blackstock will inhabit Clarence Goodson's nightmares.

Roger Bennett: Few US players will trot back to the locker room pleased with their performances. The biggest disappointment of that first half... where was the leadership?

PCarrESPN: Graham Zusi has completed 4 of his 7 crosses. Rest of team is 0-4.

James Tyler: Well, then. Get seated on the chaise longue and tell us what's troubling you about the USMNT tonight.

James Tyler: HALF TIME: Antigua & Barbuda 1, U.S.A. 1

James Tyler: Quick free kick by A&B causes mild panic. Quinton Griffith surges down the right flank and whips in a dangerous cross. Nearly reaches Blackstock but nodded out for a corner. Set piece is wasted.

James Tyler: Great doc from 10 years ago or so pitting the two lowest-ranked FIFA teams in the world against one another. Worth finding. Think it was Bhutan vs. Montserrat. Two filmmakers set the game up. A lovely story.

James Tyler: They're doing a crouching tiger, hidden dragon, CONCERNED. Quite happy to let USMNT knock the ball sideways in midfield, but quick to break upfield when a pass goes astray.

Roger Bennett: Luck

Roger Bennett: "Ashley Cole, he tweets what he wants"

James Tyler: A&B's turn to break. Burton's pass is cut out at the edge of the penalty area. Phew.

Jeff Carlisle: 1 minute of stoppage time.

James Tyler: Two minutes to half time. Better play by the U.S. Dempsey and Bradley combining but no shot.

Roger Bennett: Dempsey prefers playing for AVB than against A&B. needs to step up...

James Tyler: San Marino's a lovely place.

James Tyler: Zusi, popping up on the left now, is crunched by Tamorley Thomas. A perfectly legal tackle. He's slow to recover. Moments later, ball's worked across the field for Cherundolo, who absolutely Walcotts his cross over the goal. Well done, Dolo.

Jeff Carlisle: Dolo looked to have really saved the day there.

James Tyler: That is not a typo.

James Tyler: 41st minute. Antigua/Barbuda 1, USA 1.

James Tyler: Blackstock again being a nuisance. Takes Cherundolo and Goodson to eventually muscle him out and shepherd the ball successfully back to Howard.

James Tyler: Good sharp save by Tim Howard to deny Randolph Burton's long-range effort. A speculative shot, sure, but at least it was on target.

Roger Bennett: There is a massive difference between A&B and San Marino. and not just because it is an Enclaved Microstate. San Marino were postmen and butchers. This A&B team can play.

James Tyler: Seems reasonable, Jeff. They just need to do more of what they just did there: pass upfield. Direct movement. Less of the lateral stuff.

James Tyler: Chance for the USMNT! Vertical passing, penetrator but Bradley cracks a shot wide from the edge of the box.

Jeff Carlisle: Given the possession the US has had, I'd keep it things same. Keep an eye on Boca though.

James Tyler: ESPECIALLY on a 30-second delay, like I'm apparently doing.

James Tyler: You've got two of them, Jan: Dempsey and Gomez. Both betraying their strikerly duties thus far.

James Tyler: Gomez tears after a long pass but is offside.

PCarrESPN: 79%

Roger Bennett: US need to keep calm. A&B playing very deep, very passionate football. conditions are dire. US need to keep working the ball and forcing Bradley forward Yaya Toure style and a goal will come. Game of their lives for most of these A&B players.

James Tyler: Doug? Jeff?

James Tyler: USMNT: 75% of the ball? Really?

James Tyler: Goodson does well to stop a ball intended for Blackstock down the left wing.

James Tyler: (high fives)

James Tyler: NAILED IT!

Roger Bennett: Barbuda is just a token add on.. pop 1200 and offer no players to the A&B team. Silent partner.

James Tyler: USMNT free kick wide right. Michael Bradley's delivery is cleared. And it's raining now. Heavily.

James Tyler: Funny thing about that, Paul -- I think Eddie Johnson and Zusi have been the best US players thus far. At least most willing to get stuck in, try and create.

PCarrESPN: Zusi has 7 crosses thus far...other 21 players have a total of 5.

James Tyler: Dominating possession but doing little with it. Called "doing an Arsenal, 2011-12."

James Tyler: 10 mins to half time. 1-1. I can hear the gnashing of teeth from here.

James Tyler: Poor delivery, hooked clear at the near post by the first defender.

James Tyler: Corner for the US. Zusi to swing it in...

Roger Bennett: sorry, 50,000

James Tyler: Wait! Molvin James lives! He's fine! What a trooper. He's going to persevere after that bone-shuddering "contact."

Roger Bennett: 30,000 in A&B

James Tyler: Chance for the USMNT! Zusi down the right, slots it back for Cherundolo. A nice deep inswinging cross, Dempsey goes for it, doesn't get near it but "collides" with Molvin James. The A&B goalie is now down.

Roger Bennett: A&B goalie likes his pies

James Tyler: USMNT defense almost caught napping again as Thomas thumps a low shot wide of the mark.

James Tyler: Chance for the USMNT! Danny Williams loses it in midfield but it breaks for Bradley. He has a crack from 30 yards. It's wide. By a fair bit.

Roger Bennett: Not his smartest decision... very "Let's end this right here, right now."

James Tyler: Um, ok. I'll not argue. Assuming Troy doesn't speak for everyone.

James Tyler: Eddie! (shakes fist, curses heavens)

James Tyler: USMNT free kick inside the A&B half. Taken short by Bradley to Zusi down the right, another lovely cross but Eddie Johnson heads over. Should have put it on target.

James Tyler: Chance for A&B! Blackstock again muscles past Goodson to chase a long downfield hoof. Manages to get to it before Howard but can't shoot. Ball pings off Timmy's shins. Danger cleared.

James Tyler: As Rog can attest, the two of us get bitter about England but you still support. Just about.

PCarrESPN: A&B has three goals in five games during this qualifying round. Two of them have been vs USA.

James Tyler: Long throw for A&B deep in US territory. Bocanegra half-clears, then Cameron has a go. Nothing comes of it.

Roger Bennett: Don't give up on them. Tonight was always going to be tough. Get behind the lads...

James Tyler: Another moment of mild panic down the left flank. Blackstock working manfully to challenge Bocanegra.

Roger Bennett: A&B working it down their right... targeting US's achilles heel...

James Tyler: Goodson slipped, Blackstock juked past Geoff Cameron too easily. It happens. Though it really shouldn't. Not here. Not against Antigua & Barbuda.

James Tyler: Just poor defending, Evan. I was being glib.

James Tyler: Overhit A&B cross. Goal kick for Tim Howard.

James Tyler: So, Jurgen Klinsmann swings from hero-genius to fool-moron in the space of 7 minutes.

James Tyler: #Politics

James Tyler: Loved that the goalkeeper, Molvin James, sprinted the length of the field to join the celebration.

Roger Bennett: People, feel free to make bets with JT.

James Tyler: Goodson falls over trying to stop the move.

James Tyler: Yes, I'm behind. Oh well. Blackstock equalizes. Simple move... ball makes it to the touchline, near-post low cross and easily tapped home.

James Tyler: GOAL ANTIGUA!

James Tyler: Foul called on Zusi wide on the right flank. First trip was caused by Michael Bradley. A&B free kick far from goal on the right.

PCarrESPN: Eddie Johnson has 9 WCQ goals. Only Americans with more are Landon Donovan (12) & Brian McBride (10).

Roger Bennett: Oh Dear...

James Tyler: I was indeed. We can discuss during our Cricket Boot Room tomorrow. Was a leg spin bowler and opening batsman. The ultimate oddity.

Roger Bennett: JT. were you a cricketer?

James Tyler: Corner for the USMNT.. Dempsey with a flick-on at the near post but cleared. A lightning-fast break by A&B but the US are bailed out by the narrow field. Think it was George who couldn't keep the ball in play on the left flank.

James Tyler: A&B sticking with a conservative field. Two slips and a gully.

Roger Bennett: I dont think A&B do "opening up"

James Tyler: 22 minutes gone and the USMNT with a lead.

Roger Bennett: Credit Jurgen. Zusi to Eddie connection -- coach is a prophet.

James Tyler: Watching via iPad. Sorry if there's a delay. Enjoy being further ahead of me, if you'd like.

Jeff Carlisle: Zusi couldn't have hit that any better.

PCarrESPN: Of course Eddie Johnson. 1st goal since June 2008.

James Tyler: Zusi with the lovely cross for EJ to profit.

James Tyler: Follow-up cross from the half-cleared corner is lofted to the back post, Eddie Johnson leaps highest to powerfully head it under Molvin James.

James Tyler: EDDIE JOHNSON!

James Tyler: GOAL FOR USA!

James Tyler: It's cleared but swung back in...

James Tyler: Chance for the USMNT! A&B saved by the uneven pitch! Lovely move by Eddie Johnson, popping up on the right this time, to cut inside a sliding tackle. Can't quite control the ball from a narrow angle to shoot. Corner, USMNT.

Roger Bennett: All hail... Jurgen. Coaching Genius

Roger Bennett: What a ball.... Eddie Johnson...

James Tyler: To me, seemed like ball was nowhere near so not a PK.

James Tyler: Anyone else think so? Blackstock's injury caused by a foul? (He's fine now, by the way.)

James Tyler: Untrue! They help you improve if you fail.

James Tyler: 17 minutes gone. Every minute that ebbs by must please A&B's English coach, Tommy Curtis.

PCarrESPN: 86% passing accuracy for USA; 65% for A&B.

James Tyler: See? And so many complaining about the lack of a reliable feed.

James Tyler: Bit more danger for the US: Blackstock wrestling for a header at the edge of the box and he's now hurt. Clutching the ankle.

James Tyler: Was Clarence Goodson's errant nod wide of the mark.

James Tyler: Set piece swung in by Zusi but wasted. Skids off a US forehead.

Roger Bennett: The more this field disintegrates, the more set pieces and corners are going to have to count for US.

James Tyler: Bradley hoists it into the box, Quinton Griffith heads it backward and out for a corner.

James Tyler: Luke George clatters Danny Williams in midfield.

Roger Bennett: Hard to tell on television but it looks like the center of the field is cutting up... ball is bobbling around like it is mishaped.

James Tyler: He has indeed settled nicely, CHARLES. Seems like the strategy is to pressure from wide, despite the confining pitch.

Roger Bennett: 80% so far... for what it is worth

James Tyler: First real shot for the USMNT is wide from Cherundolo.

James Tyler: First shot for A&B is way off target by George.

Roger Bennett: Jimmy, you have not played enough CONCACAF football

James Tyler: 10 minutes gone. A rather flat opening spell.

James Tyler: Narrow pitch defeats another USMNT move: Zusi can't keep a through-ball from dribbling over the sideline.

Roger Bennett: Cricket

James Tyler: Foul called against A&B, committed on Danny Williams.

James Tyler: Corner's cleared. Bradley mops up in midfield.

Roger Bennett: US attempting to play high tempo football which is leading to a far more sloppy output than if they took their time and savored possession to settle the game and take the crowd out. They are definitely trying to land an early punch

James Tyler: George's upfield pass for Blackstock is intercepted. USMNT breaks via Eddie Johnson down the left win. He eventually pings in a right-footed cross. Dempsey can't reach it. Nodded out for a corner.

PCarrESPN: USA with 80 % possession!

James Tyler: Bradley with a nice spin off his marker inside the A&B half but his lofted ball into the box for Gomez/Dempsey is cleared.

Roger Bennett: Antigua. They actually dont have any Barbudans on the team. Barbuda is cricket and basketball obsessed.

James Tyler: 6 mins in. USMNT enjoying plenty of possession. A&B gamely jogging in pursuit. A gentle tempo.

PCarrESPN: Fields can range from 110-120 x 70-80.

James Tyler: Think about it. If an old stadium has the field right up to the seats, there's no possible chance of amending it.

James Tyler: Long ball down the right flank for Zusi but he can't control it. Goal kick, A&B.

James Tyler: Not much of note in the first four minutes. No early goals a la the trip to Jamaica.

James Tyler: Hence why the Camp Nou feels like an ocean and White Hart Lane is stiflingly narrow.

James Tyler: FIFA's pitch dimension guidelines have room for interpretation. Not fixed width/length, but rather acceptable ranges, Tommy.

James Tyler: Eddie Johnson making two good runs down the left in the early going. Picked out with long crossfield balls by Bradley and, later, Cherundolo. Already he's getting plenty of service, presumably to get comfortable in his new position.

James Tyler: You can see the popping crease, Rog. And the midwicket boundary. Alas.

Roger Bennett: Looking at this field is all you need to do to understand just how odd a bird CONCACAF is... so hard to play lush football on a pitch like this...

James Tyler: 30 seconds of foot-based ping-pong to start this one off.

James Tyler: We're off!

PCarrESPN: Soccer Power Index gives USA a 57.3% chance to win. 18.6% to A&B, 24.1% to draw.

Roger Bennett: Big night for Jurgen. Big night for Jozy...

James Tyler: So, the Boot Room duties: I've got the play-by-play, Rog adds the fun, Jeff/Doug on location with insight our TV screens don't catch and Mr. Paul Carr will bring the statistical pain.

James Tyler: Handshakes galore. We're seconds away from kick off.

Roger Bennett: USA huddling... then break. They seem very relaxed...

PCarrESPN: 1st start for Eddie Johnson since May 25, 2010 vs Czech Republic.

James Tyler: I love very specific predictions like this.

James Tyler: Love it, Doug.

James Tyler: I think Antigua & Barbuda will post a strong total: 350-6 declared. USMNT bowled all out for 118.

Doug McIntyre: 3-0 U.S. or scoreless draw. Nothing in between.

Jeff Carlisle: I'm going for 2-0 to the US.

PCarrESPN: USA 4-1

Roger Bennett: USA will beat Antigua 2-1 and draw with Barbuda 1-1

PCarrESPN: Phew...made it.

James Tyler: USA 3, Antigua & Barbuda 0.

Roger Bennett: Last chance predictions?

James Tyler: Decent USMNT support in the stands. Jeff/Doug: what's it look like from your vantage points?

Roger Bennett: Was predicted to be a sell out... looking... a little empty right now in the Viv Richards Stadium...

James Tyler: Clever.

James Tyler: I assume everyone has their beIN Sport channel locked and loaded? Final time I'll note what channel the game's on.

James Tyler: Nicely done, Mr. Lang.

Roger Bennett: For those not watching. US Anthem playing... camera shots of the American Outlaws who do this country proud...

Roger Bennett: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KeurhIWvpE
Antigua we Salute Thee

James Tyler: Right. Lads, predictions, please. Paul, Rog, Jeff, Doug. Let's have 'em.

James Tyler: So, the poll is conclusive: of those voting, fully 91% expect the USMNT to win in some form or another.

James Tyler: Rog, do you have a YouTube clip of the A&B Anthem? And does it rival the Champions League theme?

Jeff Carlisle: Yes, Mike, Blackstock plays for Forest.

Roger Bennett: Massive game tonight. A&B may be 106 in the world but the US will be up against the rutted pitch, and the weight of expectation... first ten minutes will be key

Jeff Carlisle: Shea is injured, as are Donovan, F. Johnson, and E. Castillo.

James Tyler: @ ALEX N: Honestly hope he doesn't. But I'm still scarred by his performance in Jamaica.

Roger Bennett: The Antiguan Anthem is one of the most poetic you will hear tonight...

James Tyler: USMNT time!

Jeff Carlisle: Players coming out for the anthems.

James Tyler: Really, any time my club can be made to look idiotic, it's great innit?

Roger Bennett: Great for Fox. Not so great for Liverpool...

James Tyler: High comedy. Albeit I suspect the humor was unintentional.

James Tyler: A&B Lineup: 18-James; 3-Francis Angol, 12-A. Thomas, 17-Dublin, 5-Joseph; 11-Griffith, 13-T. Thomas, 14-Burton, 19-George; 16-Byers, 23-Blackstock
Subs: 1-Muhammad, 4-Mack, 7-Alexander, 8-Dublin, 9-Smith, 10-Harriette, 12-Ashikodi, 21-Decastro, 22-Pyle

James Tyler: LINEUPS:
#USMNT lineup:
1-Howard; 6-Cherundolo, 21-Goodson, 20-Cameron, 3-Bocanegra (c); 19-Zusi, 14-Williams, 4-Bradley, 18-E. Johnson; 8-Dempsey, 9-Gomez
Subs: 2-Parkhurst, 5-Beckerman, 7-Edu, 11-Corona, 12-Guzan, 13-Jermaine Jones, 16-Kljestan, 17-Gordon, 22-Rimando.

Jeff Carlisle: It's not US Soccer's fault. Rights for home games of Caribbean nations were packaged and sold. beINSport snapped them up.

James Tyler: Tuesday's game vs. Guatemala is on ESPN2 and WatchESPN.com, so there's that.

James Tyler: Let's keep the cable TV hate to a minimum tonight. We're playing the dealt hand.

James Tyler: Superb free kick for Ecuador in injury time vs. Chile. Woof. 3-1 Ecuador. Not long now for the USMNT game...

Jeff Carlisle: Bradley is doing well after getting over a thigh injury. Scored in his last game if I remember correctly.

James Tyler: Think he's sending several messages to be honest, Devin. But this painful snub can impact Jozy in one of two ways: he gets bitter and regresses, or he takes the challenge head-on and thrives.

Roger Bennett: Bl. you had me at CAPS LOCK

Doug McIntyre: Michael Bradley's on a yellow, too.

Jeff Carlisle: He's carrying a yellow card, so I think JK is being careful here.

Jeff Carlisle: Zusi and Johnson.

James Tyler: But, but, but... Eddie Johnson as a winger, maybe!

James Tyler: You heard Jeff. The gauntlet has been thrown down.

Jeff Carlisle: Say something witty.

Roger Bennett: Be open minded Vincent. His favorite shows are The View, Hillbilly Handfishin', and Downton Abbey

James Tyler: @ BRIAN: Freddy Adu (argh), Brek Shea (do it for 90 minutes, lad!), Jozy Altidore (just to be controversial)

Jeff Carlisle: Nope. Anyone else?

Jeff Carlisle: Crowd is filling in, finally. The A&B PR guy clarified his prediction of a "sell out" by saying he was only talking about "early bird" tickets, which I interpret to mean advance purchases. Thanks for that.

James Tyler: Hey Doug. Just enough space in the Boot Room to squeeze you in!

Roger Bennett: Push forward. Antigua have let teams press onto them in their games so far. Bradley's ability to drive at players and find the flanks with a pass is going to be key today. Big game needed.

Jeff Carlisle: It's the law, Devin.

Doug McIntyre: Hi everyone. Thanks for having me.

Jeff Carlisle: It's on beINSport, kevin, which is only available on DISH and DirectTV. The Spanish version is showing the match on tape delay at 3AM ET. You're only other option is a pirated stream or watch it in a bar.

James Tyler: I wasn't much surprised by that, Pamela. Sorry.

James Tyler: Personally, I'm a huge fan of what Klinsmann's doing. Thinking outside the box. He's clearly inspired by watching Being: Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers' dimestore psychology.

Jeff Carlisle: He's a cagey veteran there yoyo. Boca will pick his spots.

Jeff Carlisle: I think the idea is to get EJ running at people, which he does do well. Akeem Thomas is a very tall center back, so that will be a tough matchup for Gomez/Dempsey.

James Tyler: Liechtenstein.

James Tyler: Yes -- The Faroe Islands were jobbed this afternoon vs. Sweden. Winning 1-0 with 25 to play and couldn't repel Zlatan and co. Lost 2-1. Shocked.

James Tyler: As Jeff said a bit ago, middle of the pitch looks dicey but wings and penalty areas feel lush underfoot.

James Tyler: Jeff: I kinda like that Klinsmann is confounding everyone. Best way to silence your critics is to utterly confuse them.

Jeff Carlisle: US Soccer spokesman also said JK wants Zusi and EJ "as wide as possible." Still wrapping my head around this.

James Tyler: YOLA: After all, the best way to motivate players on the bubble is to give them a chance to impress every now and then.

James Tyler: I think he has Yola.

Roger Bennett: Jozy, Jozy, and Jozy

Jeff Carlisle: Truth be told, I can't see him. We're way far away from the field and A&B are on the other side.

James Tyler: I'm picking USMNT to win 3-0 tonight. Think it might take 'em 20-25 minutes to acclimatize but smooth sailing from there.

Jeff Carlisle: Word from US Soccer spokesman is that US formation is "4-2-4 in attack" and "4-4-2 in defense". And it is confirmed that Eddie Johnson is out wide.

Roger Bennett: They will be tweeting in-game

Roger Bennett: If you want to kill some time before kick off, here's a match preview in which we interviewed the Prime Minister of Antigua AND Barbuda. He calls the US a "Juggernaut who can be beaten"
http://www.buzzsprout.com/5628/62637

Jeff Carlisle: I am. Seemed to make sense given the players injured/available. I think we'll see him as a sub.

Jeff Carlisle: Peter Byers and Dexter Blackstock are forwards to be reckoned with. Also look out for midfielder Quinton Griffith. Tom Curtis, the A&B coach was talking him up the other day.

James Tyler: But we're digressing. Tonight's a big night for Jurgen and the boys.

James Tyler: Yes, Rog! San Marino were crushed under our powerful boots. Amazing, really. Though I feel a major tinge of sadness for the felled minnows. As per my flood of romanticism in Thursday's blog.

Jeff Carlisle: If Klinsmann is playing 4-3-3, then I get it. But if Johnson is really playing out wide, I can only ask: Why?

Roger Bennett: JT -- WE BEAT SAN MARINO, SON

James Tyler: Evening, Rog!

Roger Bennett: Did you make the subs bench Jeff Carlisle?

James Tyler: Bit like fighting fire with a million fire hoses, innit?

Jeff Carlisle: That's a *red* Lincoln beard there James.

Jeff Carlisle: Thank you Jan! Much appreciated.

James Tyler: I believe Jeff is rocking a full Lincoln beard. Reports are as yet unverified.

Jeff Carlisle: Well, we'll see where EJ lines up at the kickoff, but playing him out side in a 4-4-2 makes little sense on the surface.

Jeff Carlisle: Hah. Klinsmann can only hope. I think it will be something like 2-0 to the US.

Roger Bennett: Good evening America. Are you ready for Antigua & Barbuda, which sounds, according to one of our listeners, Sean Green, like the name of a great cop buddy movie

James Tyler: Ahh, the wings. Which must be why Eddie Johnson is in the mix. In midfield, right?

Jeff Carlisle: Not so great in the middle, there Arin, but the wings and goal areas look okay.

James Tyler: Evening, Jeff! Do you think the USMNT will San Marino the A&B Boys?

Jeff Carlisle: Greetings everyone from beautiful Antigua!

James Tyler: If you're unfortunate enough not to have this on TV, let our shimmering prose be your guide. Jeff is in Antigua for this. I'm in the office and Rog Bennett is in a crap part of SoHo, NYC.

James Tyler: To nip this in the bud right away: the game's on beIN Sport in the USA. If you don't have it, I apologize. Not my fault but I'll say sorry anyway.

James Tyler: Yes we do!
#USMNT lineup: Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Cameron, Bocanegra (c); Zusi, Williams, Bradley, E. Johnson; Dempsey, Gomez

James Tyler: I know I am.

James Tyler: Ready for some USMNT?