Jozy strikes back: US vs Canada

Photo credit: AP

The United States started the 2011 Concacaf Gold Cup with the right result today: a 2-0 win over Canada. The 0-4 deficit versus Spain four days ago was quickly forgotten thanks to savvy play by Donovan, Bradley and Dempsey, outstanding central defense, lateral penetration thanks to Cherundolo, scintillating goalkeeping by Howard, and great offensive plays by Altidore.

The match started fast for the Stars and Stripes, Michael Bradley showed why he's such a gifted box-to-box player and he combined well with Jermaine Jones. Dempsey played a slightly withdrawn forward role in a 4-3-1-2 formation at times. It worked. Donovan's penetrating runs and crosses fed Agudelo and Altidore on several occasions and could have added another pair of goals.

The defense was stout in the middle with a Goodson-Ream tandem that just might be clicking the way Onyewu and Bocanegra once were. Bocanegra's new position at left back looked vulnerable, at times, due to his lack of speed, which in turn meant he restrained from going forward too much. Cherundolo was solid for the most part. Then there's Tim Howard. This game and his various saves en route to a shutout are the reason why he's one of the top goalkeepers in the world. One sequence after a corner, in particular, required feline instincts and reaction.

And then there's Altidore. Redemption from constant attacks from media and fans alike. Why isn't he scoring? How can we rely on him as our top striker? He gave us the reasons today. Protecting the ball by using his strength and size and centering his strike with enough force to slip past Hirschfeld. And Dempsey's masterful sliding goal came from a pinpoint Altidore center. And this is what people forget--Altidore provided two of the most important assists at last year;s World Cup. One was a cradling header to set up Michael Bradley's tying goal versus Slovenia. The second was the center he provided for Donovan's goal versus Algeria. This is how important Altidore is to the future of the US national team.

Let's not forget that a likely rival in a possible final is Mexico. Chicharito and company are a whole new level above what Canada has to offer. However, Canada is a team with similar characteristics to the US. This is important to gauge similar weaknesses and strengths that can be exploited by other squads like Mexico or Costa Rica.

Well done, team USA. Great way to start a tournament.

Howard......................9
Cherundolo...............7.5
Ream..........................6
Goodson.....................6.5
Bocanegra..................5
Dempsey....................7.5
Bradley......................8
Donovan....................7
Jones...........................6
Agudelo......................5.5
Altidore......................8

Subs: Kljestan (5.5), Edu (6), Wondolowski (N/A)