Postgame: US vs Grenada

22-year-old Robbie Rogers (r), "speed killer."

Unfortunately, Fourth of July commitments and technical difficulties meant that I only got to see the second half of the game. In my experience, watching only a portion of a game is like reading a part of the book-- you tend to miss the story arc. That said, here are my thoughts:

• It is unfortunate for everyone involved that Sharlie Joseph didn't play. Grenada might gotten a more favorable scoreline, and the US a sterner test.
• Bob Bradley's tactical tinkering is probably nothing more than that. The 4-2-3-1 is the formation that you need to accomadate Adu, and I don't think that Bradley is legitimately considering straying from the 4-4-2, or using Davies as a lone target man. Although if anyone was to play up front alone, I think Davies is the man, because...
• Charlie Davies is the real deal. There is actually a lot to say about Davies. First, his mere presence at the Gold Cup suggests that he doesn't want to go back to Hammarby in Sweden-- who are currently in-season. Second, while his exquisite assist on the Landon Donovan goal showed he could play, the Grenada game showed just how threatening he could be against lesser opposition. His finish was excellent, and he was menacing throughout the second half. Third, I think the US forward positions are now an open contest between Altidore, Ching, and Davies, with none of them guarenteed a spot. I certainly don't think Bob Bradley sees Altidore as undroppable.
• Robbie Rogers and Stuart Holden had good games. Actually, by all accounts Rogers had a great game, with 2 assists and a goal from his position on the left wing. He definitely just played himself into some additional playing time, given the US's dearth of options in that position. Add in his speed and two-footedness, and Rogers might be a dark-horse canidate for the 2010 squad. The problem with Rogers has traditionally been his inconsistency.
• A few delectable through balls by Adu, Beckerman, and Pause cut through the Grenada defense like it was pudding. Which, unfortunately, it was. The opposition was simply too weak for anyone to have really upped their stock. Expect Honduras to be a better gauge of where this squad is at.

That's all for now.

-Alex D