USA 2-0 Panama player ratings after USMNT earns much-needed win

Back in the sunshine of Carson, California, Jurgen Klinsmann’s US national team got a comfortable and much-needed 2-0 win over a meek Panama side to wrap of a January camp full of contention and discord. Here are the player ratings.

Nick Rimando, 5: Rimando came up with one big save, but had several either trying to field or play the ball to his defenders. Nothing came of those chances, though, and Rimando registers another win as the US’ starting goalkeeper.

DeAndre Yedlin, 3: It was a rather miserable day for Yedlin all around, who looked as poor on the ball at times as he did when he was an MLS rookie in 2013. Limping off with an injury is the exact opposite way Yedlin wanted to return to Tottenham.

Matt Besler, 5: Solid outing for Besler, who was better in this back-four setup than he was last week in Chile. The upcoming MLS season will set his stock going forward.

Jermaine Jones, 7: A nice disciplined outing from Jones, who finally appears to be settling into his national team center-back role.

Brek Shea, 6: Shea did some nice things, especially when getting forward as the game wore on. He’s really not a full-back, but can be dangerous from deeper positions when not required to do any real defending, as was the case today.

Mix Diskerud, 4: Absolutely nothing to get excited about from Diskerud, who was especially nondescript until being replaced in the second half. NYCFC needs him to rediscover his flair.

Michael Bradley, 9: Bradley and Dempsey were on a different playing field than everyone else, and Bradley’s Olimpico goal was an outstanding piece of individual skill. He’s going to have a huge year with TFC.

Miguel Ibarra, 4: Full of intent, Ibarra’s didn’t necessarily ever produce a final product in his full debut – and he needs to clean up his touch just a tad. It will be interesting to see how long he remains in the NASL.

Gyasi Zardes, 8: It was sensational work from Zardes, playing on his home field, that set up Dempsey’s goal. He thrust himself in the middle of the national team picture with a very successful January camp.

Clint Dempsey, 8: Overall, Dempsey is playing his best soccer since he left Fulham. No one is cooler when 1 v. 1 with the goalkeeper.

Jozy Altidore, 7: Bright stuff from Jozy too, who appears to be enjoying playing with Bradley and looking forward to the future once again. Unfortunately, Altidore was most likely felled again by Jurgen “No Hamstrings” Klinsmann’s expert training regime.

Substitutes

Sean Johnson, 6: The Chicago Fire goalkeeper had very little to do in the second half – rumblings are that he will be playing in Europe sooner rather than later.

Matt Hedges, 5: Hedges had nothing to do either in his short outing, but he certainly deserved this appearance for his terrific work with FC Dallas over the last year.

Perry Kitchen, 5: Kitchen made his debut as well in this game – if he continues on his career trajectory, this could be the new Kyle Beckerman.

Luis Gil, 5: It’s a big year for Gil, who has been riding his reputation and potential for far too long.

Lee Nguyen, 5: Nguyen wasn’t able to turn his scintillating form at the end of last year with the Revolution into a standout national team performance, but he’ll be in the discussion in 2015.

Chris Wondolowski, 3: Ever the instigator, Wondo got in multiple scraps and wasn’t able to convert in front of goal. His time in the national team shirt should be coming to an end.