USA vs. Jamaica: Live Game Thread, Columbus Edition

It's crunch time. The United States Men's National Team is about to face off against Jamaica in what some people have billed as the single most important World Cup Qualifying match the USA has participated in since 2001. Those people are probably being a bit dramatic, but nevertheless, the Yanks find themselves in a bit of a pickle after losing 2-1 to the Reggae Boyz at The Office in Kingston.

Right now, Jamaica tops the US's group with seven points, while the Nats are tied with Guatemala on four points each. The US is also even with Guatemala on goal differential. Antigua and Barbuda bring up the rear. Guatemala is facing Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean tonight as well, putting pressure on the US to win in order to maintain second place in the group.

If the US wins, they'll take first in the group over Jamaica based on goal differential, unless Guatemala also wins and either ties or beats the Yanks' GD. A draw could still see the US in second place if Guatemala loses, but a loss would be nigh-on disastrous. Guatemala is expected to at least draw Antigua and Barbuda, if not beat them, so a loss will condemn the USA to third place and a much harder road to qualifying.

Join us after the jump for our usual live blog and follow the action with us!

Lineups

USA: Tim Howard; Steve Cherundolo, Geoff Cameron, Carlos Bocanegra, Fabian Johnson; Jermaine Jones, Danny Williams, Jose Francisco Torres, Graham Zusi; Clint Dempsey, Herculez Gomez

Bench: Altidore, Shea, Beckerman, Boyd, Parkhurst, Corona, Guzan, Spector, Edu

Jamaica: Dwayne Miller; Lovel Palmer, Nyron Nosworthy, Adrian Mariappa, Jermaine Taylor; Je-Vaughn Watson, Rodolph Austin, Jason Morrison, Luton Shelton; Ryan Johnson, Omar Cummings

Bench: Kerr, Senior, Campbell, Richards, Williams, Barrett, Stewart, Bryan, Mattocks, Grandison, Thomas