USA vs. Panama: American Players Who Must Continue to Prove Worth

After picking up a thrilling victory over Venezuela on Saturday night thanks to a late header by Ricardo Clark, the United States men's national team takes the field for another friendly on Wednesday night. Panama is the opponent this time as several players continue to fight for future playing time.

Since most of the team's star players, including Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, are away with their respective clubs, these games are a chance for other players to shine. Manager Jurgen Klinsmann is using these games to figure out which players are worthy of a call-up when the games matter.

Here are three players who need to keep their positive momentum rolling vs. Panama.

Jermaine Jones

Jones is a perfect example of the way things are going to change under Klinsmann. He was given the captain's armband, which allowed him to channel his emotions in a positive way. That wasn't always the case when he received his previous caps.

His corner kick was picture perfect in the 97th minute, leading to Clark's winning goal. He really seemed like a completely different player throughout the match, and a couple more strong showings will ensure he'll be a bigger part of the team's future.

There's never been any doubts about his talent, it's always been the fringe issues like his temper that have held him back. If he can keep those problems in check, he'll be a valuable commodity.

Brek Shea

Shea continues to create chances for the USA every time he takes the pitch. Although he hasn't scored in 10 games, he's made an impact in every game. Once the team's top-tier attacking players start playing alongside him, the numbers will start to match his level of play.

For now, he just needs to keep pushing the envelope on offense. The United State have failed to find any consistency on offense for as long as most fans can remember, so anybody who can illustrate playmaking abilities is going to get an extended look.

It's still early but Shea certainly looks like one of the players who's going to take the team into the next generation. Another strong performance against Panama will solidify his spot.

Michael Parkhurst

It's no secret that the USA has struggled along the back line for a couple World Cup cycles. If not for Tim Howard's terrific play between the pipes things would have probably turned out a lot worse. It's something Klinsmann has really focused on since taking over.

Parkhurst was the team's most noticeable player on defense against Venezuela. He's not some rising star by any means. He's already 27. That said, he's really come into his own during his time with FC Nordsjælland and earned the call-up due to that improvement.

The veteran understands he has a golden opportunity and played like a motivated man on Saturday. A similar outing tonight will earn him more looks once qualifying begins.