The United States opened up a 3-0 lead in its World Cup 2006 qualifying series with Grenada and looks set to advance to the semifinal round in the CONCACAF, but the first leg in Columbus was not without its nervous moments.
Despite a huge edge in shots, the Americans didn't score their first and third goals until stoppage time in the first and second halfs.
U.S. midfielder DaMarcus Beasley scored on either side of halftime and defender Greg Vanney added a goal in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.
At times, Grenada's Spice Boyz, led by Jason Roberts, created opportunities on the counterattack.
The U.S. will train on Long Island, N.Y., this week before traveling to Grenada to complete the series with a June 20 match in St. GeorgeÆs, Grenada. That match will be shown live on ESPN2 and Telemundo at 4 p.m. ET.
Starting forward Conor Casey, recently transferred to German First Division club Mainz, came out of the game in the 21st minute for Jovan Kirovski, after spraining his right knee as it buckled under him while challenging for a ball on offense. Casey is to be out for six weeks.
GAME SUMMARY:
June 13 in Columbus, Ohio USA 3 Grenada 0. Goals: Beasley 45, 71, Vanney 90.
USA — Keller, Cherundolo, Pope, Bocanegra, Vanney, Reyna, Armas (Lewis, 73), Donovan, Beasley, McBride (Stewart, 90), Casey (Kirovski, 21).
Grenada — K.Baptiste, A.Modeste. F.Baptiste, Benjamin (George, 67), Phillip (B.Bubb, 75), Charles, Joseph, Bedeau, P.Modeste, Roberts, Watts (Bishop, 52).
Yellow cards: USA — Pope 25, Lewis 82; Grenada — Joseph 28.
Referee: Mauricio Navarro (Canada).
Att.: 9,137
STATS:
Shots: USA 34, Grenada 6.
Saves: USA 1, Grenada 11.
Corner Kicks: USA 17, Grenada 1.
Fouls: USA 20, Grenada 12.
Offside: USA 1, Grenada 4.