USA Soccer Team's path to 2014 World Cup will go through Tampa

U.S. Men to play at Raymond James Stadium

ROODEPOORT, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 05: Edson Buddle#14 of the USA celebrates his goal during the International Friendly between the Australian Socceroos and the USA at Ruimsig Stadium on June 5, 2010 in Roodepoort, South Africa. (Photo by …
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Posted: 02/15/2012

By: WFTS Staff

TAMPA - The U.S. men's soccer team's path to the 2014 World Cup will go through Tampa.

Team USA will host Antigua and Barbuda at Raymond James Stadium on June 8. This will mark the first World Cup qualifier in the state of Florida since USA defeated Mexico 2-1 on Nov. 23, 1980 in Ft. Lauderdale.

The U.S. team is trying to qualify for its seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup.

"Our focus since last summer has been to prepare this team for World Cup qualifying, and we are thrilled that we can start the process in Tampa," said U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

"To be in a place where the team has had such great support is a huge positive for us," added Klinsmann. "The players always talk about how great the surface is at Raymond James Stadium, so overall we think it is the ideal venue."

The U.S. is 3-2-1 in Tampa. The United States has never played against Antigua and Barbuda.

Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

The U.S. also will play Guatemala and Jamaica in World Coup qualifying action. Each opponent will meet twice, once at home and once away.

The 2014 World Cup is being played in Brazil.