The U.S. Soccer team will be visiting Antigua & Barbuda today, but not for a vacation, and not for a celebration. The USA suddenly finds itself in the unexpected position of needing a result on the road to remain in position to move on to the next round of CONCACAF qualifying for World Cup 2014. We didn't expect that this would be an important match, but now it certainly is.
Game time: 7:00 PM
TV Options: The match will be carried by beIN Sport, a channel that may or may not be carried by your cable/satellite provider. As I've noted before, my recommendation is always to call your service provider to add the package that includes beIN, and then call again tomorrow to cancel. You'll wind up paying just a few dollars additional on your next bill, but you'll get to see the match.
Projected starting lineup: You've already seen Benuski's USMNT roster predictions. But I always tend to defer to the experts at Stars And Stripes FC. That would mean that Herculez Gomez would start alone up top, with Clint Dempsey just behind him. Danny Williams and Graham Zusi will occupy the wings again, with Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley in central midfield. The back line will consist of Michael Parkhurst, Carlos Bocanegra, Geoff Cameron, and Steve Cherundolo, with the reliable Tim Howard in goal.
Prediction: This really shouldn't be that difficult of a match for the U.S., but somehow it always is. I'm predicting yet another underwhelming performance ending in a 1-0 win for the Americans.
What are you drinking? I've already weighed in with strong opposition to S&SFC's beer choice. The only thing right about Shock Top is that its American, which is obviously a requirement for every USA match. I'm drinking a local creation: a Blueberry Pinot Noir from Solomon's Island Winery.
This is your place for pre-game, in-game, and post-game discussion.