USA vs. Antigua: Score, Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The United States defeated Antigua and Barbuda, 3-1, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay on Friday night to begin their 2014 World Cup qualifying on a positive note.

While earning a victory was the main goal and it was accomplished, the U.S. was average at times against a squad they should have dominated.

When the U.S. starts playing better teams in qualifying and possibly the World Cup, some of their important players must perform better throughout the course of 90 minutes.

Let's recap the United States' win over Antigua.

Best Tweets

Terrence Boyd is now cap-tied to the United States after coming onto the pitch as a substitute in the second half versus Antigua:

"

Terrence Boyd is now cap-tied. I know everybody says he wants to be here, but I feel safer. Like I do with a 3-1 lead.

— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) June 9, 2012"

Bleacher Report national lead writer Dan Levy takes a jab at Landon Donovan:

"

I know the hairline is the same, but when did Landon Donovan starting thinking he's Andres Iniesta? Shoot the ball! #USMNT

— Dan Levy (@DanLevyThinks) June 9, 2012"

Herculez Gomez gave the Americans a 3-1 lead with his second-half goal:

"

GOAL USA!! Herculez Gomez with the finish to make it 3-1. Quality build-up and Gomez cleans up in the area. 3-1 USA, 72nd minute

— FOX Soccer Trax (@FOXSoccerTrax) June 9, 2012"

Twitter user Kathryn Najarian makes an interesting observation about the United States' performance Friday night:

"

A team with more experience than Antigua Barbuda probably would be tied with us right now. We've been giving too much away.

— Kathryn Najarian (@k_najarian) June 9, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Watch Clint Dempsey score from the penalty spot after Landon Donovan is fouled in the box.

Grades for Key USA Players

Clint Dempsey: B+

Clint Dempsey was once again one of the best players on the pitch for the United States. He was a force on the attack for the entire match and gave the Americans a 2-0 lead with a solid penalty strike just before halftime.

Dempsey is one of the most reliable players for Jurgen Klinsmann's squad, and the midfielder proved why on Friday night.

Herculez Gomez: B+

The U.S. forward worked hard the entire match, and his strong effort was rewarded in the 71st minute, when he scored the final goal of the match to give the Americans a 3-1 lead.

Gomez was making good runs in the attacking third and working hard off the ball. It was a fine performance for an important player in the United States' attack.

Grades for Key Antigua and Barbuda Players

Peter Byers: B

Antigua forward Peter Byers is one of the team's most talented attacking players, but did not start the match.

However, he did come onto the pitch in the 62nd minute and scored a nice goal three minutes later to cut the United States' lead in half to 2-1.

Marvin McCoy: C-

The Antigua defender did not have a good match, and a bad challenge on U.S. star Landon Donovan—for which a penalty kick was rightfully awarded to the Americans—highlighted his poor performance.

Dempsey converted the penalty to give the United States a 2-0 lead, which pretty much sealed Antigua's fate.

Man of the Match: Herculez Gomez

Herculez Gomez was the best American forward on Friday night and affected the team's attack in several different ways, including an appearance on the score sheet with a gritty goal in the second half.

What's Next

The United States will continue their 2014 World Cup qualifying attempt on Tuesday when they travel to Guatemala. Antigua and Barbuda will host Jamaica on Tuesday in their next qualifying match.