5 Things We Learned in the USMNT's Friendly Win vs. Panama

The U.S. men's national team earned its first victory since September 3 after defeating CONCACAF foes Panama 2-0 in a friendly at the StubHub Center on Sunday.

Midfielder Michael Bradley scored a wonderful goal off of a corner kick before Clint Dempsey doubled the USMNT's advantage. The Stars and Stripes also managed to keep a clean sheet after the team's recent struggles in the second half of games.

This was a much needed win for the U.S. after the debacle in Chile, and even though it was a friendly, there were still a few lessons learned during the game.

Here are five things we learned in the USA's victory against Panama.

Michael Bradley Is Back to His Old Self

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Bradley was the scapegoat after the USMNT's loss against Belgium at the World Cup last summer; however, according to Sportsnet's John Molinaro, he was playing with a broken foot for part of the MLS season and needed surgery in the offseason.

Bradley was arguably the best American player on Sunday. He was involved in the attack, helped the defense and worked tirelessly all afternoon. This is exactly how he played prior to the foot injury.

When Bradley plays in a deeper role in the midfield, he's far more effective. He was incredibly uncomfortable as a No. 10, so it's no surprise to see him thrive as a holding midfielder.

USMNT and Toronto FC fans should be pleased with what they saw on Sunday.

Gyasi Zardes Was Influential in the USMNT Attack

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Forward Gyasi Zardes also had a fantastic game in his home stadium. Zardes assisted Dempsey's goal with a terrific run and through ball in toward the Seattle Sounders forward.

However, Zardes was also causing a ruckus on the flanks. His speed and dribbling opened up space for Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Miguel Ibarra.

Ibarra also ran at the Panamanian defense and played well, too, but Zardes really impressed in his first start for the senior men's national team.

The Defense Was Hot and Cold

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Panama didn't get a sniff of the goal in the second half, which is a fantastic feat for the U.S. considering how poor the Americans performed in Chile near the end of the match.

The Panamanians only recorded one shot on target, per ESPN FC. That's the positive, but forward Blas Perez missed a terrific opportunity, and the USMNT defense still left too much space behind the back line. Panama wasn't able to expose it, so the USA got away with it this time.

Defenders Jermaine Jones and Matt Besler didn't commit any significant errors and goalkeeper Nick Rimando commanded his area, but in future games against stronger opposition, things will change.

4-2-3-1 Is a Way Better Option

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Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann switched from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1 for the Panama game, which was crucial to the USMNT's win.

Klinsmann started Brek Shea at left-back and Jones in the center of the back line. Even though both had nervous moments early in the match, they recovered and were able to hold off Panama. Ibarra and Zardes were also given starts on the wings. Both players excelled in those roles.

Experimentation is common in friendlies. It wasn't always going to be perfect with Shea and Jones playing as defenders, but they might be able to adjust with time. It will be easier once Klinsmann sticks with a formation.

It's Just Panama, but It's a Start

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Klinsmann wants the U.S. to progress to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. Defeating Panama in a friendly doesn't exactly indicate whether the USMNT is at that level.

However, this win should quell the anxiousness in the U.S. camp. It also showed fans that players like Zardes and Ibarra could help ignite the USA attack, which the team lacked in Brazil last summer.

Fans should be happy and relieved; however, when the USMNT plays stronger teams in the Copa America and the World Cup, it might be punished when playing an offside trap and may not get as much space against more tactically disciplined teams.

Peter Galindo covers MLS and U.S. soccer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @PGFutbol.