Still riding high, US preps for Grenada
Confederations Cup run remains fresh, but new business awaits Yanks
The remarkable 2-0 win against Spain in the semifinals and taking a two-goal halftime lead against Brazil before falling 3-2 in the final has raised awareness in the United States about the national team, specifically, and soccer in general.
So what does the United States do for an encore? That answer begins Saturday at Qwest Field when the U.S. begins defense of its Gold Cup crown against Grenada.
"Certainly all of us have heard from people, friends, fans in the United States over the past days and it's a tremendous feeling to think that so many people tuned in and were excited about the Confederations Cup," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "The responsibility in that regard continues to always be there and the Gold Cup is a chance to follow up the success of the Confederations Cup with hopefully defending our title."
While Bradley has tweaked his roster, sending the likes of Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Oguchi Onyewu home or back to their clubs, the coach said that isn't an indication of how seriously he is taking the tournament.
"There are always challenges that force difficult decisions in terms of rosters, but it doesn't take away from our strong feeling that this is the championship of our confederation, that we are defending champs, and that message is how we started when this group arrived here," Bradley said.
The U.S. welcomes back into the fold Steve Cherundolo and Brian Ching from injury. Ching, the Houston Dynamo forward, said it was difficult to miss out on the Confederations Cup run.
"I was extremely disappointed, bad timing on my injury and missed a bunch of important games," he said. "I think the guys did a fantastic job responding, especially after the first two defeats, and for me to get back out here for the Gold Cup is exciting. It's fun to be back here with the national team and I'm really looking forward to playing well."
Grenada has the unenviable task of facing the Americans on their soil and on their Independence Day. But coach Tommy Taylor isn't concerned about all the outside factors, doesn't want to hear any talk about how much the Spice Boyz are heavy underdogs.
"It's 11-versus-11, and on the day, the best team will win, or the team with the most luck," Taylor said. "I go into every game trying to win it. Don't want to lose. If we come away with something from the game, I'll be pleased for it, but as long as our boys play to their full potential I'll be happy."
Making matters more difficult is that Grenada is without its two best players as Shalrie Joseph is out with an injury and Jason Roberts has chosen club (Blackburn Rovers) over county, according to Taylor.
"Shalrie and Jason would have been excellent inclusions, but they are not here," Grenada captain Anthony Modeste said. "The show has to go on and fortunately for Grenada, it's a team and not an individual per say. We are ready. We have a very cohesive unit and we are relishing the challenge."
