Grenada is an island nation of about 90,000 and the smallest country ever to qualify for the Gold Cup. The USA -- even with this B roster -- was expected to handle them easily, and they did: 4-0 before a crowd of 15,387 at Qwest Field.

It was the USA’s first soccer victory on the Fourth of July. And it got them off to a sold start toward defending its CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

“(It was) important to start the Gold Cup the right way,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. “It was a really good team effort. Four different guys scored tonight.”

Those four guys were Freddy Adu, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers and Charlie Davies. Rogers also assisted the first two goals and was selected man of the match.

The USA outshot Grenada 25-3, and USA keeper Troy Perkins was called upon to make only one save.

Among the happiest guys in red, white and blue was Brad Evans, the Seattle Sounder who made his national team debut in the 62nd minute.

“It’s special when you put on the national team jersey,” he said. “Overall, it’s a great feeling for sure: good to get on the field and connect some passes and kind of get into the rhythm of the game. … It was just a special day. My fiancée was in the crowd, some buddies in the crowd as well. For sure, a day to remember.”

Evans’ national team career got off to an awkward start as he actually got a yellow card before his first national cap because he ran onto the pitch before being officially waved in by the referee.

“He told me to wait a little bit going onto the field, but I couldn’t hear him – that’s how loud it was,” Evans said. “I was excited.”
The United States continues Gold Cup group play Wednesday against Honduras at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Honduras beat Haiti, 1-0, in the first game.

The U.S. and Honduras will meet Wednesday as group play continues in Washington, D.C.

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