U.S. takes care of Barbados, 1-0

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- The United States men’s soccer team advanced to the regional semifinals of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Barbados on Sunday.

Eddie Lewis scored in the 21st minute off a through ball from Freddy Adu, who started his first World Cup qualifier. Lewis took the pass and put the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Alvin Rouse for his 10th goal in 80 international appearances.

Barbados nearly scored in the 58th minute when Emerson Boyce’s header beat goalkeeper Brad Guzan but bounced off the crossbar.

The United States won the first leg of the series, 8-0, a week ago. The Americans have outscored Barbados 20-0 in four meetings, all World Cup qualifiers.

Seeking their sixth straight World Cup berth, the Americans will be in a semifinal group with Cuba, Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago. The top two teams advance to next year’s regional finals, which will produce three World Cup qualifiers and a fourth team that goes to a playoff against the No. 5 nation in South America for another berth.

The United States opens the regional semifinals on Aug. 20 at Guatemala, then plays Sept. 6 or 7 at Cuba, the first match there for the U.S. soccer team. The first American home game is Sept. 10 against Trinidad and Tobago at Bridgeview, Ill.

The U.S. plays host to Cuba on Oct. 11 at Washington, plays at Trinidad and Tobago four days later and closes the round Nov. 19 against Guatemala at Commerce City, Colo.