The United States has advanced to the regional semifinals of qualifying
for the 2010 World Cup football tournament in South Africa. The
American men scored a 1-0 victory over Barbados in Bridgetown on Sunday.
Eddie
Lewis scored in the 21st minute off a pass from Freddy Adu, who started
his first World Cup qualifier. Lewis made the shot through the legs of
goalkeeper Alvin Rouse for his 10th goal in 80 international
appearances.
The United States won the first leg of the
series last week, routing Barbados 8-0. The Americans have outscored
Barbados 20-0 in four meetings, all World Cup qualifiers, including two
matches in 2000.
The Americans are seeking their sixth
straight World Cup berth. Guatemala is also in the regional semifinals
after beating St. Lucia on 9-1 aggregate.
The other two teams
were to be determined later Sunday. Cuba hosts Antigua and Barbuda
after winning the first leg, 4-3, on the road. Trinidad and Tobago,
which made its first World Cup appearance in 2006, went to Bermuda
trying to overturn a 2-1 deficit.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
