Ace, The Wifey and I (as well as Pops, Moms and Whitney who’s lucky enough to be heading to Sweden and will get to experience the 2008 Euros Swedish style) headed down to the Home Depot Center along with just 11,000 other Southern Californians to see the US put up an 8-nil drubbing on Barbados.

The north end was wide open, as was the upper deck once again. I’m just hoping it was the fact that it was Barbados because that’s miserable.

11k for a Qualifier? Here’s a chance for us US Mens Team supporters to represent and that’s all we give them?

At least I got to see an old school Chicago Fire DaMarcus Beasley jersey representing.

This was exactly the type of game that Bob Bradley’s men needed heading into this extremely tough phase of Qualifying. Barbados was an opponent that was unorthodox in style, dropping 10 players behind the ball at every opportunity and forcing the United States to beat them through ball movement and combination play in the offensive third.

Remember, this is a United States team that is going to have to go on the road to some very difficult places (bad fields and horrible weather) having to figure out how to break a team down to get valuable points against opposition that does not or will not play any true style other than using their athleticism and physicality to try and frustrate them.

Want to know how tough this Qualification Round is?

Go ask Trinidad and Tobago after losing 2-1 at home against Bermuda after John Barry Nusum (a great guy who never got a true shot in the MLS) dropped two in the 8th and 40th minute mark.

Former Columbus Crew striker Stern John had evened the scoreline for Trinidad in the 22nd.

Mexico squeaked past Belize 2-nil in Houston through Arsenal’s Carlos Vela and Jared Borgett.

Panama 1-nil over El Salvador at home.

Canada 3-nil over St. Vincent and Grenadines on the road.

Jamaica 7-nil over the Bahamas as Real Salt Lake’s Andy Williams found the back of the net.

Honduras drawing 2-2 to take a 6-2 aggregate over Puerto Rico.

Greneda pulling a surprise 2-2 draw against Costa Rica.  Big ups to the Revs Shalrie Joseph.

El Pescadito and LA Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz knocking back four goals as Guatemala pounded St. Lucia 7-nil.