James Tyler: Night all! USA! USA! USA!

James Tyler: Find all the postgame reports on ESPNFC.com soon. Jeff's handling the grades.

James Tyler: Would have been nothing without you all. Appreciate your input and comments. Let's do it again tomorrow! And Saturday, 7.30am ET for Tottenham v. Chelsea as the Premier League returns.

James Tyler: Thanks so much for joining us tonight! And we had something to celebrate!

James Tyler: Follow us on Twitter:
@JamesTylerESPN
@PCarrESPN
@JeffreyCarlisle
@rogbennett

James Tyler: Alright, must power down the Boot Room. We'll be back in 13 hours, 15 minutes for Poland v. England.

James Tyler: Granted, the 2010 Hex was much smoother: Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago. Much tougher this time around.

James Tyler: For the 2010 World Cup, Costa Rica went to a fourth-place playoff on 16 pts.

James Tyler: Yes. So you figure from 10 games, you need at least 16 points of a possible 30.

James Tyler: Has to be slotted amid the club schedule.

James Tyler: T, but we knew that already. Donovan and Dempsey are approaching their twilight.

James Tyler: Feb 6 - 15 October 2013

James Tyler: Yes. Quietly confident.

James Tyler: Top 3. Fourth place plays in a play-off with a team from Oceania.

James Tyler: In the Hex thus far: Honduras, Mexico, Panama, USA, Jamaica and, I think, Costa Rica OR El Salvador.

James Tyler: It's gonna be brutal.

James Tyler: Dempsey, Zusi, Johnson, Gomez, Bradley all wonderful tonight. Parkhurst quietly effective.

James Tyler: Right. Everyone happy? World Cup dreams are well and truly alive. And a good performance when needed most.

James Tyler: Jamaica's win launches them into the Hexagonal. Well then.

James Tyler: Elation and joy at LSP tonight. Ruiz jolted the U.S. into life with his early goal and it was all Klinsmannball from there.

James Tyler: FULL TIME: United States 3, Guatemala 1.

PCarrESPN: USA now unbeaten in 22 straight home qualifiers.

James Tyler: Jurgen's ready to party.

James Tyler: Waiting for the final whistle now...

James Tyler: As would I. That ACL injury came at the worst possible time last season when his chances were arguably highest. He'll be back.

PCarrESPN: Antigua goal...now 3-2 in favor of Jamaica

James Tyler: Dempsey looks for a soft penalty and is booked. Bit sad, that. A Bale-esque tumble, theatric in the extreme.

James Tyler: Into the second of three injury time minutes at Livestrong Sporting Park. The USA got it done tonight.

James Tyler: Jozy. Think the U.S. has enough depth at CB coming through the ranks.

PCarrESPN: Alexi and Kasey answered Twitter questions at halftime.

James Tyler: Sorry Ian, live TV happened. Saturday will be a different story. 7.30am ET. Spurs v. Chelsea. El Room del Boot.

PCarrESPN: One goal won't help Guatemala now...they need two.

James Tyler: Good work by Jerez to get to the through-ball ahead of Corona.

James Tyler: Mexico-El Salvador just kicked off, as did Costa Rica-Guyana.

James Tyler: SUB FOR THE US: Eddie Johnson off, Joe Corona on. Superb game for EJ tonight. He's a legit wide option for the U.S. moving forward. Still needs some finesse, but proved himself this past few days. No doubt there.

James Tyler: Goal! Jamaica 4, A&B 1 - Dane Richards with another.

James Tyler: SUB FOR GUATEMALA: Pezzarossi on, Carlos Ruiz off.

James Tyler: 65%. Have to think he's earned his place in the mix.

James Tyler: Chance for the US! Good flowing midfield move culminates with Kljestan getting it wide right. He shoots unchallenged from the corner of the box but Jerez parries easily enough.

James Tyler: I don't think so, looking. Much more to his game. If anything, the poaching just shows his sharp instincts.

James Tyler: Feels mighty good.

PCarrESPN: Nothing but pride.

James Tyler: Michael Bradley on the ball in the right corner, finds Cherundolo but the right-back loses it.

James Tyler: Join us for tomorrow's Boot Room: Poland v. England, 10.30am ET

James Tyler: 85th minute. Surely a couple of minutes to be tacked on for Ruiz' calf knack.

James Tyler: It's certainly more likely than Guatemala scoring a second.

James Tyler: Guatemala player down hurt. Carlos Ruiz appears to be cramping in his calf.

James Tyler: Yeah, but friendlies shouldn't count in this discussion. That was a nothing game. A showpiece. A scrimmage.

James Tyler: I'd say so, Evan. Mexico game at the Azteca was good too. But this had a different kind of pressure upon it. And the team delivered. Was nervy at times but a competent attacking performance.

PCarrESPN: Zusi completed 91% of his passes. Only Dempsey and Williams have a higher percentage for USA.

James Tyler: Tempo slowing to a crawl. Which is odd as Guatemala needs a goal.

James Tyler: Pass upfield for Dempsey is tidied up.

James Tyler: Paul?

James Tyler: I'm on record as preferring Guatemala. Much better, cleaner match-up.

James Tyler: Not if FIFA's watching, Jan.

James Tyler: Crowd as LSP settled. Simmering nicely. Dempsey's dispossessed in midfield but the long pass for Myron Lopez is off-target. Cherundolo cleans up.

James Tyler: 11 minutes left for the US to close this out.

James Tyler: Well done, Steve.

James Tyler: The MLS man Dane Richards with the finish.

James Tyler: Indeed, 3-1 there, which again puts Guatemala out of World Cup 2014 contention.

PCarrESPN: Jamaica now going through ahead of Guatemala

PCarrESPN: Jamaica goal!

James Tyler: Edu in to shore things up, fresh legs, etc.

James Tyler: SUB FOR USA: Graham Zusi off, Maurice Edu on. Solid nice for the SKC man.

James Tyler: YELLOW CARD: Vasquez in the book for a hack in midfield.

James Tyler: A quarter-hour remaining here. Jeff, your thoughts?

James Tyler: Blame the rain in Warsaw...

James Tyler: No. ESPN3 and WatchESPN only.

James Tyler: Kljestan can't keep the ball in on the right side of the Guatemala box. Goal kick.

James Tyler: Guatemala starting to enjoy more of it at the moment. Contreras has a shot blocked.

James Tyler: Also on tap, the return of the EPL this weekend. Tottenham v. Chelsea Boot Room, 7.30am ET on Saturday morning. Come eat your breakfast with us. I prefer waffles.

James Tyler: Everyone heard about the England postponement, I assume? Well we'll have a Boot Room tomorrow, 10.30am ET for Poland v. England. Game kicks off at 11am.

James Tyler: 19 minutes left. Jamaica leading 2-1, USA up 3-1

James Tyler: Guatemala corner is whacked into the near post but cleared. Relax.

James Tyler: Chance for Guatemala! Contreras fizzes a shot on target from distance. It's deflected out for a corner.

James Tyler: Definitely looked like Carlos Ruiz's trailing leg caught MB.

James Tyler: The perils of being 3-1 up, perhaps?

James Tyler: Penalty, surely. Bradley looked fouled in the box but Moreno looks the other way.

James Tyler: 20 minutes left.

James Tyler: Chance for Guatemala! As I type "controlling tempo," Contreras gets free down the left side and shoots low, Howard spills the shot but thankfully Cameron is there to hoof it clear.

James Tyler: Jeff: this better from the USA? Controlling tempo, settling down a touch?

James Tyler: SUBS FOR THE USA: Gomez off, Sacha Kljestan on. Presumably Eddie Johnson will move up top.

James Tyler: US corner is cleared at the near post. Cherundolo's follow-up cross is also cleared.

PCarrESPN: Guatemala is now through on goals scored over Jamaica.

James Tyler: I just think the US matches up better against them.

James Tyler: As someone who played rugby for 12+ years, I am fine with the rugby shorts.

James Tyler: In news that surprises no-one, Lionel Messi has scored for Argentina vs. Chile.

James Tyler: Corner is headed wide by Dempsey! Close.

James Tyler: Guatemala.

James Tyler: Eddie Johnson with more sterling work on the flank. His cross is blocked out by Vazquez for another USMNT corner.

PCarrESPN: Those hat tricks were in the modern era, by the way.

James Tyler: The goal gives Guatemala the edge on GD in the group. They'd advance if the scores hold as is.

Jeff Carlisle: Whoa. A&B have scored.

James Tyler: Goal! Jamaica 2, Antigua & Barbuda 1

James Tyler: Some circus tricks in the attacking third by Bradley to hoist the ball over the defense for Dempsey to chase but Jerez springs forward to collect instead. Killjoy.

James Tyler: T-minus 30 minutes to party time, USA.

PCarrESPN: Eddie Johnson and Jozy Altidore. That's it.

PCarrESPN: Jozy is two.

PCarrESPN: Eddie is one.

PCarrESPN: Nope to all

James Tyler: We're doing it live, Andy. In the spirit of the big bear, Bill O'Reilly. We do it live.

PCarrESPN: Only two Americans have scored a hat trick in World Cup Qualifying. Name them.

James Tyler: We try, Sean.

James Tyler: Good target man play by Mynor Lopez to head it wide for Contreras to chase. Sadly for him, Cherundolo is there also and gets fouled. Free kick, USA.

PCarrESPN: Most goals for USA under Klinsmann is 5 vs Scotland. Also scored 3 vs Slovenia and A&B.

James Tyler: 57 minutes gone. The U.S. appears to have weathered the early storm of Guatemala's two subs.

James Tyler: Looked like it took a faint deflection off the closest defender.

James Tyler: Statsie?

James Tyler: Agreed. Much better. As I type, he gets onside and en route to goal. Does well to hold up the ball under pressure from the last defender, comes wide and then floats a cross to Dempsey at the back post... Clint narrowly misses the header and the chance for his hat-trick.

James Tyler: Plenty of room for Zusi on the right flank since Guatemala's subs. Cherundolo now free on the wing overlapping Zusi, cross isn't cleared, ball's pinged back in for Eddie Johnson but Jerez makes a heroic low save.

James Tyler: Does everyone hate EJ again now? Tell me no.

James Tyler: Chance for the US! Eddie Johnson whiffs on a close-range unmarked shot. Good work by Zusi down the right, good cross. Shame.

James Tyler: Probably... who knows what witchcraft is contained within its healing mist.

James Tyler: That other HT sub for Guatemala: Mynor Lopez on, Mario Rodriguez off.

James Tyler: Went in hard against Velasquez, both players going in with boots raised a bit. Williams coming off second-best. Seems to be alright though.

James Tyler: Danny Williams appears to be hurt... Cherundolo taps it out so he can get some magic spray.

James Tyler: Exactly. Games aren't played on paper.

James Tyler: This will be a fun battle to see Mynor Lopez and Carlos Ruiz against Cameron/Bocanegra.

James Tyler: Chance for Guatemala! Mynor Lopez with a low shot from 25 yards that Howard smothers.

James Tyler: 49th minute. Eddie Johnson does well to retain possession on the left wing but Bradley's dispossessed in the center circle. Much more brio from Guatemala early on.

James Tyler: Not true. Macedonia beat Serbia today. Results can happen. Faroes should have beaten Sweden on Friday. San Marino narrowly lost today.

James Tyler: Early nerves as Howard is forced far off his line to deny a run up the middle. Tim's now limping a touch. A good run by Lopez to get behind the U.S. backline.

James Tyler: Second half also underway in Jamaica.

James Tyler: SUB FOR GUATEMALA - Marco Pappa on, Figueroa off.

James Tyler: Yes -- minnows deserve to compete on level playing field. Unfair to make them pre-compete, essentially.

James Tyler: We're off for the second half of two halves!

James Tyler: I'd say more aggression. Stop him dominating the one-on-one situations. Be assertive. Push him around. Don't let him dictate each possession.

James Tyler: Oh yeah, the altitude is a killer. But it's not like they can make the country closer to sea level. Uruguay on a downward spiral, seemingly.

James Tyler: Yeah, I know. Just saying. There are ways to hide ones flaws.

James Tyler: I predict we'll have a Boot Room bright and early on Saturday morning.

James Tyler: And Uruguay, too. Thumped resoundingly by Bolivia in La Paz today.

James Tyler: Arguably, so does Argentina but they seem to do just fine.

James Tyler: You know I'm from England, right? Or does that mean I'm committing treason simply by being here? Make no mistake, the USMNT are fast becoming my little brother team. I root for them. I hope for the best. But I also enjoy a bit of bullying as befits being the older sibling.

James Tyler: IF RESULTS HOLD:
USA - 13 pts
Jamaica - 10
Guatemala - 10

Jamaica advancing on GD.

PCarrESPN: Yes, Jeff. Completed 54 of 59 passes.

James Tyler: Wouldn't call that fun, Stenton!

James Tyler: Yet, it's still just Guatemala. Assuming the U.S. advances, the likes of Mexico will not be as generous.

James Tyler: I'm not a USMNT fan, but I'm pleased to see this gusto from them when needed most. Chasing games is tiring, and though it did happen tonight, at least the chase surpassed a mere equalizer. Dempsey, Gomez, Bradley, Zusi and Johnson all linking well in the attacking third. Danny Williams looks like a much less foul-y Jermaine Jones as the holding midfielder.

James Tyler: The U.S. goals were too pretty for TV, Jan. Wait for the commemorative DVDs.

James Tyler: Anything can happen, rocks. I know it might not curry favor with the U.S. fans, but it is a danger to relax too soon.

James Tyler: Chile v. Argentina just kicked off in CONMEBOL.

James Tyler: Oh boy...

James Tyler: Let's get there first, eh? Will say that perilous is an understatement.

James Tyler: A manful effort, Dan!

Jeff Carlisle: Paul, are you saying Williams pass % was 92%?

James Tyler: Doug, Rog: how are things at LSP?

PCarrESPN: Danny Williams led USA with 62 touches in first half, at a 92% clip (2nd only to Dempsey).

James Tyler: Anyway, back to the USMNT.

James Tyler: Maybe not, but look at the 10 teams! Hard to refute they're not worth it. Except, maybe, Paraguay. They're the Greece of the southern hemisphere (they are below the Equator, right?)

James Tyler: No, I don't. Think the balance is good. Though I'm all in favor of UEFA spots being dished out to Africa.

James Tyler: When you're so used to late heroics, how do you transition to living the other way?

James Tyler: True, Casey. That comes with experience and coaching, I'd say.

James Tyler: Limerick Hall of Fame.

James Tyler: WOW.

James Tyler: Bench Options: Beckerman (don't laugh), Edu, Corona, Guzan (can be play LB?), Kljestan, Gordon, Goodson, Rimando

Jeff Carlisle: The U.S. is possessing the ball well enough that they don't need to take risks. That's just crazy to do at this point.

PCarrESPN: USA had over four times as many completed passes as Guatemala in first half (289-66).

James Tyler: Think Bradley can resist getting so far forward? I see comparisons to Steven Gerrard in that respect. Though the box-to-box midfielder is becoming a little antiquated/retro, the desire to bomb upfield/surge back on D is too much for these guys to show restraint.

Jeff Carlisle: Still worried about the two CBs as Ruiz's movement has caused problems.

Jeff Carlisle: Loved the response, but like I said earlier, the U.S. needs to control tempo now. They don't need to pour guys forward in search of a fourth. I'd almost like to see Bradley sitting deep now and let Dempsey, Zusi, EJ, and Gomez handle the attacking burden.

James Tyler: That he does.

PCarrESPN: Halftime: USA with 77% possession, completing 85% of passes vs Guatemala's 64%.

James Tyler: Are you greedy for more goals? Want to see the backline tighten and things calm down?

James Tyler: So, lads: your interval thoughts? Rog, Doug, Jeff? What are you liking, not liking?

James Tyler: HALF TIME: USA 3, Guatemala 1.

James Tyler: Sorry -- too good to post just once.

James Tyler: Would be a brutal Hex. Absolutely brutal. But fun, right? (Thinks about England traveling to Moldova)

James Tyler: A minute remaining in the first half.

James Tyler: 44th minute.... 3-1 USA. Everyone feeling better? More relaxed?

James Tyler: Half-chance: corner's taken short but when the cross swings in, Eddie Johnson's header is off-target. Had a teammate better placed behind him. Alas.

James Tyler: Figueroa nods behind for another U.S. corner. Bradley overhit his cross from the right but still gets the home side a set piece.

James Tyler: Better for Guatemala: long ball almost finds Ruiz inside the box but a good clearing header and Howard follows up to fall on it.

PCarrESPN: That's only Dempsey's second multi-goal game with #USMNT. The other was June 2008 vs Barbados.

James Tyler: Guatemala reduced to a long-range shot. Now, the U.S. is slowing the tempo down.

James Tyler: It's legit. Have a google at half-time.

James Tyler: I stand corrected.

James Tyler: Danny Williams called for a foul just inside the U.S. half.

James Tyler: Best part about the Honduras game: they made a non-injury goalie sub. That's just mean.

James Tyler: Might be nice for a change, eh? A lad can dream. 40 minutes gone and not one of us would begrudge the two-goal cushion. That said, it's the most dangerous lead in football, I hear.

James Tyler: Err, you see the pitch, right, Troy2?

PCarrESPN: Jamaica now advancing over Guatemala based on GD (+2 to +1)

James Tyler: Best thing for MB, too. He can clearly hack it. Great player. That he fizzled out at Aston Villa will remain one of the game's enduring mysteries.

James Tyler: Can I get away with that hyperbole?

James Tyler: Seriously, a gorgeous move. Spain-esque.

James Tyler: Sorry, Gomez played Bradley though. Soft touch. The kind of touch you want from your "target man."

Jeff Carlisle: Gomez with the kind of touch that was missing against A&B to set up Bradley who chipped it forward for Dempsey.

James Tyler: Superb passing move down the right. Dempsey plays Bradley in, the Roma man chips Jerez and Clint follows up to make sure it gets over the line.

PCarrESPN: Clint Dempsey is the fourth American to score 30 career goals (Donovan, Wynalda, McBride).

James Tyler: The porous Guatemalan D punished again!

James Tyler: GOAL FOR THE USA!

James Tyler: Hard to agree with you given EJ's impact in recent games. Honestly, there's room for both. Other teams -- Brazil, Germany, Spain etc -- don't struggle with having depth at many positions. Why would it harm the USA?

James Tyler: Chance for the US. Zusi, back on the right, has space to shoot from the corner of the box. Fine low save by Jerez to parry his shot.

Jeff Carlisle: I'd say EJ has shown more than Brek has the last few games, at least the games Shea has started. Brek definitely better as a super sub.

PCarrESPN: 78% possession for USA thus far.

James Tyler: Just over 10 minutes to half time.

James Tyler: Has a nasty bout of flu, we're told.

James Tyler: Hard to say. Permanent super sub? Jeff?

Jeff Carlisle: Bad ball from Danny Williams there to set up that chance.

James Tyler: Ruiz offside again. Moments later, Rodriguez does well to chase a ball down under duress from Bocanegra but it dribbles out for a goal kick.

James Tyler: Surely not by design, Alvin. But it's true. US finding plenty of room down the flanks.

James Tyler: Chance for the US again! Lovely run by Gomez down the right. His cross to the near post finds Dempsey but he can't control it and shoot. Guatemala scrambles it clear.

Jeff Carlisle: I also want to go back to Kingston so I can spend the $1,500 in Jamaican currency I still have. Don't worry. That only amounts to about $15 US.

PCarrESPN: 2-0-0. Won once in KCK, once in KCMO.

PCarrESPN: This was the third of Bocanegra's 14 goals that he scored with his feet (10 head, 1 chest).

James Tyler: Chance for the US! Far post cross finds Eddie Johnson but his header back across goal isn't turned in. Jerez eventually flops on the loose ball.

James Tyler: That said, he was a hero for 92+ minutes on Friday night.

James Tyler: I'm flabbergasted, Aaron.

James Tyler: Both teams just forcing the tempo. U.S. would like to ice this game early, while Guatemala must get a result in order to advance ahead of Jamaica.

Jeff Carlisle: What concerns me is how stretched the U.S. is getting when the ball turns over.

James Tyler: Agree, Jeff. Some dominance would be nice. Run and gun only gets you so far.

Jeff Carlisle: It might be exciting to watch, but the play is too end-to-end for the U.S. right now. They need to do more to control the tempo.

James Tyler: 27 minutes gone and another corner for the U.S. Herculez Gomez putting in the work tonight.

James Tyler: Nope. He used to play for Sheffield United if I recall correctly.

James Tyler: Long ball down the left for Zusi but it's well defended by Lopez.

James Tyler: Never say never, What. Man United came within 30 seconds of winning the Prem last year.

James Tyler: Nyron Nosworthy with Jamaica's second goal.

James Tyler: Seriously, that second US goal was lovely. I could watch Cherundolo's curled long pass down the flank for Eddie Johnson on repeat all night.

James Tyler: 25 minutes played. Frenetic stuff thus far. Little defending of worth from either side.

PCarrESPN: Guatemala still going through on goals scored over Jamaica.

Jeff Carlisle: Paging Marco Pappa, paging Marco Pappa.

James Tyler: Does feel like the evening has a few more twists ahead. Bit like the final day of the EPL season.

James Tyler: Well, Jamaica is scoring their goals. Right now the GD is impacting Guatemala, who are trailing the US here.

Jeff Carlisle: Jamaica 2-0 up.

James Tyler: Goal -- Jamaica 1, Antigua & Barbuda 0 - Demar Phillips, 19'

Jeff Carlisle: Johnson and Zusi switched sides throughout the A&B game. More of the same tonight.

James Tyler: Nope, Jeff. Was rooted to the floor and had no momentum in pursuit of the ball.

Jeff Carlisle: I know he was fouled, but Parkhurst didn't look at all convincing on that.

James Tyler: He and Zusi enjoy to switch flanks. Always good to confuse defenders if they're using a man-marking system.

PCarrESPN: USA & Guatemala still going through right now. Guatemala leads Jamaica by one in GD.

James Tyler: Good header by R. Morales but he fouled in order to get to the ball.

James Tyler: Chance for Guatemala! Flashed low shot from narrow on the left flank by Contreras in behind Cherundolo. Howard repels it. Corner amounts to nothing, mercifully.

James Tyler: Chance for the US! Great deep cross by Zusi but Johnson can't reach it at the back post. Goal kick, Guatemala.

Jeff Carlisle: Jamaica 1-0 up on A&B.

James Tyler: Yeah, Joe. Hindsight is a fun thing.

James Tyler: Clearly, Clint read my poll question.

Jeff Carlisle: And dare I say, a super ball out of the back by Cherundolo I think.

James Tyler: Easy as you like -- great outlet ball wide right, superb low cross into the penalty area and Clint sweeps it home. Great run by Eddie Johnson down the right in behind the defender and his cross was superb.

PCarrESPN: 29th career goal for Dempsey, 1 behind Brian McBride for 3rd in USA history.

Jeff Carlisle: Great assist by Eddie Johnson.

James Tyler: CLINT DEMPSEY!

James Tyler: GOAL FOR THE USA!

James Tyler: Still 0-0 in Kingston. 14 minutes gone there.

Jeff Carlisle: Ruiz very clever in his movement, drops off back line and then goes as rest of US defense presses up.

James Tyler: Another ball over the top finds Ruiz behind the U.S. backline but he can't capitalize.

James Tyler: 16 minutes in. How's everyone feeling? Was this how you expected the opening quarter-hour?

Jeff Carlisle: I'd say it's more a diamond with Bradley playing in front of Williaims.

James Tyler: By hoping that Jamaica doesn't make up the Goal Difference on the USA.

Jeff Carlisle: Oh EJ. Needed to do better there. Guatemala giving him way to much space on that shot.

James Tyler: Another long ball aimed for Ruiz but he can't get it this time.

James Tyler: Absolutely not. Think everyone's feeling it.

James Tyler: Win/tie and US is in. That simple. Don't worry about the rest.

James Tyler: C'mon. CONCACAF refs have always had a bad rep. Long before the replacement zebras in the NFL.

Jeff Carlisle: Critical response from the US. Now they have to play SMART.

PCarrESPN: 14th career goal for Carlos Bocanegra, passing Marcelo Balboa for most ever by an American defender.

James Tyler: Whoops. Sorry. Fast fingers.

Jeff Carlisle: Actually that was Dempsey on the header and Boca sidefooted it in.

James Tyler: Without Herculez' hustle, that goal doesn't happen.

James Tyler: Wonderful near post run by Bocanegra to meet it and steer his header through static defending.

James Tyler: Corner swung in, header, goal.

James Tyler: #Exhale #Breathe

James Tyler: Bocanegra!

James Tyler: GOAL FOR THE USA!

James Tyler: Corner for the USA. Good hustle by Gomez to earn it.

Jeff Carlisle: US just getting killed in transition.

James Tyler: Corner's swung to the near post but cleared.

James Tyler: Wonder if news has filtered through to Kingston...

James Tyler: Ruiz gets it wide left and angles in on goal. Backing off, Cameron concedes a corner.

James Tyler: What's the US response? Parkhurst's getting forward a lot. His chipped cross is cleared.

James Tyler: By-product of all Klinsmann's changes, perhaps? Defense needs to gel, needs time to synch up.

Jeff Carlisle: I w

James Tyler: Relax! Stand down! Still 83 minutes left.

Jeff Carlisle: That is just a shocker. So much for Guatemala going for the draw

James Tyler: Chance for the US! Good run by Eddie Johnson down the left, he gets behind the defense and slides a teasing low cross along the edge of the six yard box but no USMNTer is following up to connect.

James Tyler: Yeah, Howard should have come out to close the angle. Waited too long and floundered. Surprising.

James Tyler: LSP just turned mausoleum. Louden up, folks!

James Tyler: And not long after an arguably missed handball in the Guatemala box. Well, then.

James Tyler: The offside trap dissolved, long ball over the top and no-one tracked Ruiz' run. He rounds Howard and taps home with ease. Yikes.

Jeff Carlisle: Cameron and Boca not anywhere near on the same page. Boca kept him onside.

Doug McIntyre: Wow.

James Tyler: Carlos Ruiz!

James Tyler: GOAL FOR GUATEMALA

James Tyler: Jamaica game's underway now.

James Tyler: Dempsey tries to win a free-kick near the edge of the Guatemalan box. Ref Moreno has none of it. Already the US finding success attacking the flanks.

James Tyler: Looks like a winger early on. It worked well enough on Friday...

James Tyler: Good cross by Zusi this time from the right flank. It skids off a defender but is nervily cleared.

James Tyler: Jamaica game has yet to kick-off. Check your watch, ref!

James Tyler: Set piece is overhit by Zusi. Fail.

James Tyler: First good move: Long ball for Dempsey brought down well, put wide for Eddie Johnson. EJ finds Clint continuing his run and Dempsey's cut-back cross is turned out for a corner.

James Tyler: We're off!

James Tyler: Oh, he's great. And he's a KC stalwart.

Jeff Carlisle: Wow. Looks like a pretty sparse crowd in Kingston.

James Tyler: Thanks for joining us tonight, everyone. Should be a fun evening. Don't forget to tweet questions using #FCBootroom -- Sir Ian, Dr. Twellman and Alexi Lalas, esq will answer the best at halftime.

James Tyler: We'll keep an eye on Jamaica as this game comes to life, fear not folks.

James Tyler: Definitely the left-backs.

Jeff Carlisle: So what number is bigger? US left backs during WC qualifying or Spinal Tap drummers?

James Tyler: Jamaica vs. Antigua & Barbuda about to kick off also.

James Tyler: One more waltz of the starting lineups:
USA (4-2-3-1): 1-Howard; 2-Parkhurst, 3-Bocanegra, 20-Cameron, 6-Cherundolo; 18-Johnson, 4-Bradley, 14-Williams, 19-Zusi; 8-Dempsey, 9-Gomez.

Guatemala XI: (4-5-1): 1-Jerez - 23-J. Lopez, 3-Vazquez, 2-R. Morales, 4-E. Morales - 10-Rodriguez, 15-Leon, 11-Contreras, 6-Velasquez, 18-Figueroa; 20-Carlos Ruiz.

Doug McIntyre: That was the loudest I've ever heard a U.S. crown sing the national anthem. Well done, KC.

James Tyler: It's only fair.

James Tyler: What an atmosphere. Rog, Doug: you deaf yet?

Jeff Carlisle: Roberto Moreno from Panama is the referee tonight.

James Tyler: Ref is Roberto Moreno. Not sure where he's from.

James Tyler: Start naturalizing players from Brazil.

Jeff Carlisle: Make that Guatemala *defenders*. My bad.

James Tyler: So it's not just the U.S. squad that is crippled?

Jeff Carlisle: All eyes on the Guatemala CB's tonight. Their top 3 choices - Carlos Gallardo, Elias Vasquez and Luis Rodriguez - are all out injured.

James Tyler: Lotion in the basket or you get the hose, Steve.

James Tyler: How far we've come, Paul. How far we've come.

James Tyler: Less than 10 minutes to kick-off.

PCarrESPN: As a KC-area native who watched USA-Costa Rica at Arrowhead in front of a dead 37K fans in 2001, this atmosphere is amazing.

James Tyler: Los Catrachos happened.

James Tyler: Die Anschluss, I believe it was called. Austria and West Germany in 1982. Manic. And thus, the birth of same-time kick-offs for final group games was born.

Jeff Carlisle: Playing in Denmark. Not holding my breath on Davies.

James Tyler: Of course nothing is to *stop* it per se, but c'mon. Think that is going to happen? If you do, I've a clean Tour de France race to show you.

PCarrESPN: FIFA could disqualify both teams. Or Guatemala could decide to score in the 90th minute.

James Tyler: I fear for Agudelo. Going down a very Adu-esque road. Started with a bang, fizzling out and ending up on bad teams.

PCarrESPN: Loud and hell.

Jeff Carlisle: Diskerud need to prove he can play more than just attacking mid/2nd striker. He hasn't shown enough defensive grit in my eyes. Bunbury is injured at the moment (torn ACL) so he's out for a while. Agudelo is playing w/Chivas USA, but that team is a mess. Not the greatest situation for him.

James Tyler: Threatening.

James Tyler: Is it that Klinsmann is still trying to figure out his senior core (as Jeff said, 9 players) before moving onto the rest?

James Tyler: What else are you all willing to do/threatening to do if the U.S. somehow messes this up tonight?

James Tyler: I'm good at telling time.

James Tyler: Or 15 minutes.

James Tyler: 30 minutes to kickoff!

James Tyler: Bold.

Jeff Carlisle: USSF elections aren't until early 2014 if I recall correctly.

James Tyler: Think of the apps, TFA!

Doug McIntyre: Most of the guys on that list are two young to break into the USMNT this cycle but I see the No. 2, Josh Gatt, getting plenty of minutes for the U.S. in 2012

James Tyler: Doesn't bother Brazil or Argentina much...? That said, I know they're a step above, but pro football players are exactly that: professionals.

Jeff Carlisle: People are talking about Josh Gatt, but he seems to get injured every time he's about to be called up. I think Boyd has a future, as does Omar Gonzalez. Jury is out on Tim Ream.

James Tyler: Heads up, Walter's neighbors!

James Tyler: http://insider.espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/8507392/us-national-team-top-25-u-21-us-prospects

Jeff Carlisle: Klinsmann needs to settle on at least a core of guys. And by core I mean 9 out of 11.

James Tyler: Jeff? Doug? Who's on the rankings board? There was an Insider post today about this very topic...

James Tyler: Is 20 games enough to figure out your best XI? Speaking from personal experience (coughFIFA13coughcough) it does take a while.

James Tyler: The other could be indecision, though plenty of managers tinker to no discernible fault: Claudio Ranieri has made a nice career of tinkering, while Paul Lambert's week-to-week meddling was just fine with Norwich last season.

PCarrESPN: Worth repeating: this is the 20th lineup Klinsmann has used in his 20 games.

James Tyler: Well, there are two answers here: one is that Klinsmann's still figuring it out. That's likely the main response.

James Tyler: He's been surpassed at Aston Villa by summer signing Matthew Lowton. Might have something to do with it -- the lack of regular minutes.

Jeff Carlisle: Still up in the air,Agoos. Someone needs to outplay him, and so far, no one has really stepped up besides Cameron.

James Tyler: Whoa, Pog. Steady on. I will say that Dempsey's apparent lack of a one true position does mean he's the first to get shuffled around in the starting lineup, which can only cause a steeper learning curve. That said, it's Clint Dempsey.

James Tyler: Too close to call. I'll say USMNT goals.

Jeff Carlisle: Don't think we'll see Chandler for a long time. Fortunately "a long time" is about how long we'll have to wait until the start of the Hex, assuming the U.S. gets through.

James Tyler: Lineups again for those just filtering in:
USA (4-2-3-1): 1-Howard; 2-Parkhurst, 3-Bocanegra, 20-Cameron, 6-Cherundolo; 18-Johnson, 4-Bradley, 14-Williams, 19-Zusi; 8-Dempsey, 9-Gomez.

Guatemala XI: (4-5-1): 1-Jerez - 23-J. Lopez, 3-Vazquez, 2-R. Morales, 4-E. Morales - 10-Rodriguez, 15-Leon, 11-Contreras, 6-Velasquez, 18-Figueroa; 20-Carlos Ruiz.

Roger Bennett: Only thing I would crit about Live Strong is the sound system. Blaring "Taking Care of Business" right now... killing the true fan atmosphere.

James Tyler: Just over half an hour to game time. To recap the Boot Room crew: we've got Roger and Doug in KC tonight plus Jeff Carlisle's insight and Paul Carr's stats. I'm your MC.

James Tyler: Dzeko scores more key goals, Sean. A lot more.

Roger Bennett: Still filling up here at Live Strong. American Outlaws have been in full voice behind one goal... proper fans.

James Tyler: #FCBootroom, folks. Tweet questions using that hashtag and the best will be answered at half-time.

Jeff Carlisle: I'd say Herc does a bit more dirty work on defense than Jozy. That said, I was among those very surprised that Jozy didnt' get a call up.

James Tyler: Dempsey's been lagging a touch during these qualifiers. To be expected now and then. Would like to see the Clint that made the epic troll face vs. Jamaica.

James Tyler: That said, he had two golden chances vs. A&B and squandered both with a Heskey-esque touch.

James Tyler: It's tough to be a traditional striker in an ugly game. Gomez relies on service. If it's not forthcoming, it's a problem.

James Tyler: Just curious to gauge the temperature. All four underwhelmed on Friday. All four (along with the whole XI) has to up their game, but who in particular must rebound with force?

Doug McIntyre: One sub I'd like to see for the Yanks is Joe Corona. He's still not cap-tied to the U.S. but Klinsmann clearly likes him, because he keeps calling him up. I predict he gets on tonight if the U.S. is leading (or) trailing in the second half.

Jeff Carlisle: US, 2-1.

Roger Bennett: 2-1 US. I expect a Jamaica in Columbus style performance. A furious first half hour... followed by a tired second half.

James Tyler: Same as the confident German media earlier today, I'll wager.

Doug McIntyre: Not Eddie Johnson!

James Tyler: We all were, Doug.

Doug McIntyre: It must be noted that I was well off the mark Friday.

James Tyler: I'll say 2-1. Nervy. Early go-ahead goal, second goal after the break, late Guatemalan goal has LSP on a razor's edge for final 10 minutes.

James Tyler: Lads, your predictions? Saw Doug plumping for a 2-0 US win.

James Tyler: One game at a time. Win this, then address the shortcomings.

James Tyler: Look, that's a point for the next qualifying round. This lot can do this. They've done more in the past.

Doug McIntyre: I think James has it right.

James Tyler: I think it's more a message to the current squad. As in, "we can do this. We don't need help."

James Tyler: Unless Kansas City was annexed in the last hour, USA.

James Tyler: Oh, absolutely Jeff. I'm just saying. Would be like England relying on Peter Crouch. Which, sadly, has been the case before. (Remembers T&T game at World Cup)

Roger Bennett: Live Strong Park is an astonishing sight. There will be no "bad pitch" excuses for the US tonight...

PCarrESPN: Craziest potential scenario: USA or Guatemala wins 1-0, and Jamaica wins 3-1, then Jamaica and the USA-Guatemala loser will be tied on points, goal difference and goals scored. USA would win tiebreaker vs Jamaica on away H2H goals. Guatemala-Jamaica dead tie would result in a one-game playoff.

James Tyler: I think it'll do more for the meatball's status, Eric.

Jeff Carlisle: It almost wasn't enough in St. John's, James. Credit Gordon for serving up EJ's 2nd goal on a platter.

James Tyler: There's also the formational battle to consider. A 4-2-3-1 against a 4-5-1 makes for a cramped and negative midfield.

Roger Bennett: Going to try and move the ball quickly from back to front tonight... Tim Howard said ahead of the game "if we don't do it, Guatemala sure as hell will"

James Tyler: Alan Gordon??? Is this what it's come to? No offense, Jeff, but the U.S. should be able to get it done without the journeyman, right?

Jeff Carlisle: Gordon, Kljestan, just like in St. John's.

James Tyler: US SUBS: Beckerman, Edu, Corona, Guzan, Kljestan, Gordon, Goodson, Rimando.

Roger Bennett: Tanto. If the US go out, we follow Guatemala all the way to Rio. But this is how i think the game will go. shades of West Germany Austria World Cup 1982
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31qjzTy0hww

James Tyler: Ouch, Tanto. I was unaware those things were intertwined. (checks contract)

PCarrESPN: Goals scored, then head-to-head points/goals/away goals.

Doug McIntyre: For me, Ruiz is still Guatemala's most dangerous player, Peter.

James Tyler: Meanwhile, spare a thought for Canada. 8-1 defeat to Honduras earlier.

James Tyler: We should talk more about it, Doug. Especially if the U.S. labors to break down this 4-5-1.

Doug McIntyre: Minor knee injury, Peter. People aren't talking much about it, but his absence (he's missed the last three games, too) has really hurt the U.S. this round.

Jeff Carlisle: Supposedly, Guatemala want to use Pappa as a supersub. Will it be too late?

Jeff Carlisle: Cyrus, I think there are more than a few people who would prefer a tie tonight, which would allow Guatemala to sneak through.

James Tyler: Guatemala XI: (4-5-1): Jerez - J. Lopez, Vazquez, R. Morales, E. Morales - Rodriguez, Leon, Contreras, Velasquez, Figueroa; Carlos Ruiz.

Doug McIntyre: As a professional journalist, I don't hope for such things. But I do expect the U.S. to win, 2-0.

Roger Bennett: Big shout from the Guatemala fans perched high up behind Tim Howard's goal as their team runs out onto the field...

PCarrESPN: 20th different lineup for USA in 29 games under Klinsmann.

James Tyler: Drat? Whoopsie? Blast? Any of those better?

Jeff Carlisle: Jamaica needs to make up three goals from both results. I know the US lost in Kingston, but I think avoiding another trip to Guatemala would be preferable.

James Tyler: USA in the 4-2-3-1: Howard; Parkhurst, Bocanegra, Cameron, Cherundolo; Johnson, Bradley, Williams, Zusi; Dempsey, Gomez.

PCarrESPN: Easiest way for Jamaica to go through is with a 3-0 win and a 1-0 loss for USA/GUA.

James Tyler: Hey Doug. What are you hoping to see from the U.S. tonight? Besides a crushing, statement-making victory?

Roger Bennett: Doug is dictating all of my comments

PCarrESPN: USA also gets through with a loss and a Jamaica loss IF Jamaica does not make up at least 3 in goal difference.

James Tyler: Yes, no shenanigans, Cyrus.

Doug McIntyre: Hi everyone. Sitting next to my friend Roger Bennett in KC. Glad to be with all of you, too.

PCarrESPN: A Jamaica loss/draw puts USA through.

Jeff Carlisle: So the only change is Parkhurst in for Goodson with Boca sliding back into the middle. I like it. Parkhurst will offer a bit more going forward, and I thought he looked sharp against Jamaica.

Roger Bennett: Hello JT. Shades of the EUROS in Live Strong Park as Seven Nations Army blares from the speakers. Excitement levels building...

James Tyler: Lads, how are you feeling? How's the mood at Livestrong Sporting Park, Rog and Doug?

James Tyler: USA lineup: Howard; Parkhurst, Bocanegra, Cameron, Cherundolo; Johnson, Bradley, Williams, Zusi; Dempsey, Gomez.

James Tyler: Also: tweet your questions using the #FCBootroom hashtag.... the gang in KC will answer the pick of your queries during the ESPN2 half-time show.

James Tyler: The USA wins or draws and it moves on. It's that simple. But should it falter, all eyes will be on Jamaica's result.

James Tyler: We've got a full house tonight: Rog in KC, Jeff Carlisle on the 1s and 2s, ESPN Insider's Doug McIntyre and the erstwhile Sir Statsie, Paul Carr.

James Tyler: I know, Daniel. BEEN AN ETERNITY.

James Tyler: Canada thrashed 8-1 by Honduras, Bolivia stuffing Uruguay, Sweden coming from 4-0 down to tie Germany 4-4. A day of stunners... but let's have none of that tonight, eh?

Jeff Carlisle: Greetings everyone! Ready to go?

James Tyler: Welcome to Boot Room number 2 of the day. And what a day.

James Tyler: OLE OLE OLE OLE!