The United States took three points in their opener against Antigua Barbuda winning 3-1 in Tampa. Twenty two thousand fans took in the rain soaked game and saw Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez score goals to counter a Peter Byers strike for the “Benna Boys.”
Here are three thoughts:
1) BACK FOUR? Real concern falls on the U.S. back four right now heading into the Guatemala game on Tuesday at the Estadio Mateo Flores. Will Fabian Johnson be fit? Edgar Castillo? Now Jose Torres is injured as well and though listed as a left back he really played as a midfielder.
Oguchi Onyewu truly look slow and could not turn.
Geoff Cameron athleticism is going to be needed at some point to balance out some older defenders. He could bring out the best in others.
The problem here is balancing results with integrating new players.

2.) DONOVAN STEPS UP
It was great to see a motivated Donovan leading the U.S. attack on the night.
The all time leading goal scorer for the U.S. looked motivated, committed and emotionally connected.

3.) GOMEZ A STARTER
Herculez Gomez has clearly for the moment earned the role of as starter.
Jozy Altidore came in to camp unfit according to head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and is playing catch up.

ITALY AND SPAIN ARE UP
After watching teams struggle to execute in the final third it is no secret teams are not hitting all cyclinders. The Netherlands struggled around goal in the final third as did Germany and Portugal.
Spain and Italy at 10:45 am is the marquee game Sunday on Espn!!

DYNAMO AT VANCOUVER
The Dynamo get back to league action and expect to see rookie Warren Creavalle get a start at right back. After playing both against San Antonio and Valencia one would point to him getting his first MLS minutes.
The Dynamo do it tomorrow night without Geoff Cameron, Jermaine Taylor, JeVaughan Watson, and Andre Hainault due to World Cup qualifying in Concacaf.
Will Bruin is set to go after a concussion but Alex Dixon remains out with one.
This is going to be interesting and challenging on the road for the Dynamo in Vancouver.
Catch the game on Fox Sports Houston at 6 cst!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc