Stu Holden was with Bolton in Toronto and played the final 30 minutes of the match. He also scored Bolton’s first penalty kick goal in the shootout. Holden, who was granted some time off after playing in the 2010 World Cup for the United States, joined Bolton in Toronto on Monday.

The Wanderers were undefeated during their three-game tour. They also defeated the Charleston Battery (2-0) and Charlotte Eagles (3-0).

Game recap: http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2098729,00.html

Donovan, Stu Holden, Maurice Edu, Carlos Bocanegra and other members of the USA’s Men’s National Team accepted the award.

Stuart Holden: It was a great experience, an experience I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. I think we felt the buzz over there with the way the country rallied behind us a little bit. We had a good run and I think we’re a little disappointed the way it ended, but we still enjoyed every second and hopefully it helps build soccer in the U.S.

Full Q&A: http://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/7/1558040/mls-world-cup-stuart-holden-bolton-usmnt-houston-dynamo

Holden: It was a lifetime experience just to feel the buzz and be a part of the atmosphere, as the U.S. made history and won the group. We had a good run in the tournament and a disappointing end, but it’s something that I will never forget.

Full article: http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2010/07/qa-bolton-midfielder-stuart-holden-0

Stu Holden on The Daily Line from The Haptonstall Group on Vimeo.

As was a common theme this World Cup, the United States fell behind early in the match when Ghana’s Kevin Prince Boateng scored after only five minutes. After dominating the early part of the second half, the USA was rewarded with a Donovan goal from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute. The Americans had several opportunities throughout the rest of the second half, but could not find the finishing touch.

Ghana struck quickly in overtime as Asamoah Gyan needed only three minutes to put Ghana ahead 2-1. The USA, running on exhausted legs, could not score the equalizer in the final 27 minutes of overtime.

Stu Holden was dressed and healthy for the match, but did not play. Stu’s playing time for the 2010 World Cup consisted of the final 10 minutes of the USA-England match on June 12.

Match highlights: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1260909/index.html

Match report: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249717/match=300061503/report.html

Match highlights from FIFA.com: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1256143/index.html

To demonstrate how fluid Group C was, if Donovan had not scored in the final minutes, instead of winning the group, the USA would have been eliminated from the World Cup (with three ties and 3 points overall).

Stu Holden was dressed and available for the match, but did not play.

“What an unbelievable experience and moment to be a part of! I was disappointed not to be in the game and helping the guys, but at this level in a World Cup, that is all thrown out the window,” Stu Holden said after the match. “It was like slow motion as I ran towards Landon after his goal with every player and coach from the bench in tow! This team has a fighting mentality and never gives up and we have earned every opportunity! On to the Sweet 16 and a chance to keep making history!”