Associated Press

Dempsey added a second-half goal for the Americans, who scored three times in the first half and five times in the second. It was the largest victory margin in the team's history and only the second time the United States scored eight goals. The other was an 8-1 victory over the Cayman Islands in 1993.

After going scoreless in friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina leading into the qualifier, the United States had three goals in the first 20 minutes against Barbados.

Michael Bradley and Brian Ching also had first-half goals, and Landon Donovan, Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Ching added goals in the second. Barbados also had an own-goal in the 86th.

The United States, seeking its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, will play the second leg at Barbados on June 22.

Lineups:

United States: Brad Guzan; Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce; Pablo Mastroeni (Freddy Adu, 26), Michael Bradley, DaMarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey (Eddie Lewis, 72); Landon Donovan (Eddie Johnson, 81), Brian Ching.

Barbados: Alvin Rouse; Dyson James, Daryl Ferguson, Greg Belle, Bryan Neblett; Jonathan Forte (Riviere Williams, 69), Norman Forde (Malcolm Marshall, 72), Jonathon Nurse (John Parris, 76), Rommelle Burgess; Paul Ifill, Mark McCammon.