U.S. Gold Cup Report Card

The young U.S. squad took an opening Gold Cup win in style with a 4-0 thrashing of Grenada. With most of the players on the field being fringe candidates for a World Cup roster spot, we here at Goal.com though it would be appropriate to take a look at the players on show and pass out grades for who did the most to help their chances of making Bob Bradley’s first choice team.

Troy Perkins- C+: Not because he did anything wrong, but because he was never tested, Perkins did little to help his stock jump up. He did make one fine save in the first half from a snap header, but other than that, had very little to do.

Heath Pearce- B: Pearce did very well getting up and down the left flank in support of Robbie Rogers and held possession very well. He was also part of a defense that was never really had very many questions asked of it.

Chad Marshall- C+: Not asked to do much out of the back, but solid in his play for the most part. Held possession well, but failed to finish on an uncontested header that would’ve raised his stock a bit.

Clarence Goodson- C+: Much like Marshall, had very little to do for most of the night. Did get forward on set plays and probably should’ve done better with his head on a few occasions.

Steve Cherundolo- B: In his return to the National Team Cherundolo put in a solid shift on the right. Got off several dangerous crosses and combined well with Stuart Holden going forward.

Robbie Rogers- A+: The man of the match in most people’s minds did a lot to help himself in the eyes of the manager. His pace gave Grenada problems all night and his run to set up Freddy Adu on the opening goal was stellar.

Kyle Beckerman- B: Solid showing from Beckerman in the middle of the field. Nothing fancy, but spread the ball around well and helped set the pace for the rest of the squad. Also did well to win balls in front of the back four.

Logan Pause- B+: Nothing negative to say about Pause at all. Held possession very well and had the vision to set Rogers free on his goal. Pause did as much to raise his stock as any player on the pitch Saturday night other than Rogers.

Stuart Holden- B+: A good showing from the Dynamo midfielder on the wing. Sent in a few dangerous crosses and showed composure on the ball even in tight spots. The debutant did well to open his account although the defending on the play was awful.

Freddy Adu- B+: Not sure how much Adu did to raise his stock. The goal was a sitter from Rogers and he should’ve had a second on a snap header and had another good chance late on the ball from Holden that he failed to bring down legally. Did well playing in the hole and finding gaps to receive the ball and played out of tight spots nicely. Never did anything spectacular, but was solid all night and dangerous with his delivery on set plays.

Charlie Davies- C+: Got his goal late and deserved it after another match where his work rate and pace seemed to give the defense fits, but didn’t do anything above what he did in South Africa. Davies looked a bit tired at times, understandably, but another solid outing from the striker who should have a spot on the 2010 team.

Brad Evans- C+: Stepped in for Cherundolo at the right back spot and looked uncomfortable at times. His first touch after coming on was a poor one and he struggled to find the game for a bit, but did set up Davy Arnaud with a golden chance in the late stages.

Davy Arnaud- B: Not much time to make an impact but did well after coming on for Davies. Found the ball early and looked sharp, but missed his chance to put in a fifth in the 84^th.

Michael Parkhurst- C+: Not called upon to do much work, but was calm on the ball and worked it out of the back well during his short stint.

Allen Ramsey, Goal.com

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