Olympics Underway

The US got their Olympic campaign underway bright and early this morning (4AM where I'm from, and yes, I was up watching) and the start was exactly what the Americans were looking for and expected.

A tough first test against a quality Japenese side. Japan created a number of chances but simply couldn't put that round thing in the square thing. A goal from Scottish born Stuart Holden was the difference between the two sides as the Americans got a hard earned 3 points, and because of the other match in the group, the USA now leads the group going into the 2nd game.

MATCH GRADES:

Brad Guzan (6) - Didn't have much to do, but when he needed to get off his line and pounce, he did. A descent first game for the Aston Villa man, he'll be tested more in the second match.

Marvell Wynne (8) - I never thought Marvell would have been one of the better players on the field, but he was. Marvell has a tendancy to look slightly akward on the field but typically makes up with shear speed. Today his passing was spot on, the runs he made were excellent and if he got beat, he got back quickly.

Maurice Edu (6) - If this was separated between the first 75 minutes and last 15 the grade would be different. Was excellent the entire game, but got caught out of position towards the end of the game and could possibly have been called for a penalty on two different occasions.

Michael Parkhurst (6) - Did his job, wasn't beaten the entire game, and cleared danger when he was needed. Didn't see as much action as Maurice did, but did everything he needed to.

Michael Orozco (5) - Wasn't impressive to me, never made any dangerous runs down the flanks (see Marvell Wynne) and made some poor decisions. The first game tough, he's a quality young talent so I would expect him to have a good game against the Dutch.

Stuart Holden (7) - The goalscorer and Man of the Match according to those in higher ranked posisitons than I. Was the most dangerous midfielder by far with accurate tight passing and some dangerous runs. Was in the right position on the rebound and finished well.

Michael Bradley (7) - Cleaned up the midfield, which is exactly what he's in the team to do. Distributed the ball well to Rogers and co. and was in the right place defensively when he needed to be. Organization was excellent.

Sacha Kljestan (4) - Simply didn't bring it for this game. We've come to expect more from this young talent since he's been playing so well with Chivas USA (rebrand please) Don't expect him to be benched, he's a leader on this young team.

Robbie Rogers (7) - Made dangerous runs and some well-timed crosses, played well, not much else to say.

Freddy Adu (5) - Will the real Freddy Adu please stand up. Got knocked around the field by the Japanese, couldn't stay on his feet because he played around with the ball like it was a knock-around game in the backyard. Dear Freddy, quit crying, start playing better and go by people instead of whining about not getting 100 fouls called on you.

Brian McBride (6) - Not exactly the best fit for this particular team, but does what we as American Soccer Fans have seen from Brian since he began his international career. Cause trouble, draw fouls, knock down balls for everyone else. I expect Jozy to start against Holland